Meet The Team

At Taylor Studwelding, our success is built on the strength of our people. From design and engineering to customer support, every member of our team plays a vital role in delivering reliable, high-quality stud welding solutions to clients worldwide.

Say Hello to Our Expert Team

Joint Managing Director

Heather Cooke (Taylor)

Heather has been part of Taylor Studwelding for nearly 30 years, guiding the company’s finances with expertise and dedication. Proud to continue her family’s legacy, she values the teamwork and passion that drive Taylor Studwelding forward. A sunshine-seeker, Abba fan, and lifelong Prosecco enthusiast.

Joint Managing Director

Andrew Gillings

With 17+ years at Taylor Studwelding, Andrew leads innovation and technical development, ensuring every product meets the company’s high standards. Known for his collaborative spirit and problem-solving mindset, he’s also an avid scuba diver with a soft spot for his Jellycat turtle desk buddy.

Sales Director

Stephanie Armstrong

With 30 years at Taylor Studwelding, Stephanie leads both our UK and international sales efforts – from weld studs to complex CNC systems. She’s responsible for developing new markets, managing our sales team, and continuing to grow and support our client base both here and across the globe. Steph also holds an Honours degree in Spanish!

Innovation & Product Development

Andrew Shenton

With over 30 years of collaboration and 4 years full-time at Taylor Studwelding, Andrew develops next-generation stud welding equipment and advances our electronic systems. Known for his expertise and team spirit, he’s also a passionate coffee connoisseur who insists it tastes best from a proper cup and saucer.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Paul Gillings

With a whopping 36 years under his belt, Paul has officially been designing and engineering stud welding brilliance for over half his life – and he’s still loving it! As our long-serving Mechanical Design Engineer, Paul is the man behind the machines – literally. His passion and precision have helped shape the way we work, one clever design at a time.

Production & Engineering Team

Sonia Chappell

Sonia (aka Tiny or Little Son!) is a vital part of our Production & Engineering team, bringing energy, dedication, and a true team spirit. She loves working at Taylor Studwelding, where everyone looks out for each other. Outside work, she plays darts and dominoes, is learning to drive, and adores her grandson Freddie.

Technical Team

Stephen Cooke (Cookie)

Stephen “Cookie” Cooke has been a key part of Taylor Studwelding for 14 years, handling machine builds, repairs, setups, and precision laser-etching. If it needs fixing, he's your man! Known for his technical skill, sense of humour, and teamwork, he enjoys sunshine, white wine, fast cars, and keeping the workshop running smoothly.

Production & Engineering Team

Craig Mawson

Craig has been a vital part of Taylor Studwelding for 7 years, keeping operations running smoothly and enjoying the team’s supportive, family-like atmosphere. Outside work, he races RC cars across the country and keeps up with his five kids, bringing energy and dedication both on and off the job.

Production Engineer

Paul Armstrong

Paul has been with Taylor Studwelding for 13 years, thriving on the wonderful team camaraderie. Off the clock, he claims he's a dab hand at all household chores - dishwasher, hoovering, cooking - but with wife Steph also at Taylor Studwelding, we aren't sure these claims are accurate. He might just have earned a one-way ticket to the dog house!

Stores Manager

Lindsay “LK” Kaye

At 6ft 6in, Lindsay "LK" towers over the team - but his energy and good humour stand even taller. For 12 years he’s kept Taylor Studwelding's stores running smoothly, thriving on teamwork and banter. When he’s not busy at work, he pedals to and from the office, proving his stamina matches his personality!

Buyer

Helen Senior

Helen has been with Taylor Studwelding for 18 years, spreading positivity and keeping the team smiling. She loves the family-like vibe at work (most of the time!) and brings dedication and warmth to everything she does. Fun fact: she once dreamed of being a vet in Australia - but Dewsbury got lucky instead!

Works Manager

Ben Ellis

Ben has been with Taylor Studwelding for 3 years, thriving on new challenges and keeping the team running smoothly. His drive to keep improving and problem-solving makes him a huge asset to the team. Off the clock, his competitive side shines - he races motocross and RC cars, bringing the same speed, and energy to work as he does on the track!

Service Technician

Robert Norwell

Robert is a man of few words but big when it comes to dedication. He loves the great team spirit and support that flows from the ground up at Taylor Studwelding. Away from work, he's been trying his hand at golf - a game that’s as frustrating as it is rewarding, sometimes in the same minute! Keep going with it Rob you might make it pro one day!

Machine Setter

Phil (John Phillip Muffitt)

Phil is one of our brilliant Machine Setters and has been with Taylor Studwelding for 2 years, tackling every challenge and keeping the shop floor running smoothly. But when Phil isn’t making sure our machines are set to perfection, you’ll find him chasing a different kind of thrill… he swaps machines for his motorbike!

Administrator to the Works Manager

Beckie North

Beckie joined Taylor Studwelding in January 2025. In her role, Beckie is at the heart of keeping things running smoothly, balancing day-to-day organisation with with new challenges. She loves the mix of routine and variety, and has quickly become a valued part of the Taylor family, bringing energy, efficiency, and positivity every day.

Electrical Engineer

Manny

Manny joined Taylor Studwelding in 2025 after graduating with First Class Honours from Leeds Beckett University. Already making an lasting impact, he’s leading innovative electrical and electronic projects, impressing the team and shaping the future of Taylor Studwelding with his skill and creativity.

Our Legacy

Our Founder - David Taylor

David Taylor founded Taylor Studwelding Systems Ltd in 1984, building the company from a small local business into a globally recognised name in stud welding equipment.

Under his leadership, Taylor Studwelding Systems grew to supply customers across Europe, America, and Asia, earning a reputation for quality, reliability, and strong customer relationships.

David was deeply passionate about the company and the team behind it, and his dedication shaped the culture and values that continue to guide the business today.