Powered by People: Allan Shaw
Category: General
Published: 16/06/2026
Our ‘Powered by People’ series of articles are being developed to shine a light on the incredible talent we have across the business that supports and drives our global operations.
In this article we spend some time talking with long-standing employee, Allan Shaw, who joined the company straight from school as an apprentice plater. He therefore has decades of experience within the industry and as an employee that he brings to his current roles as Senior Operations Manager (Servicing & Aftermarket).
You’ve been with the company for a number of years, what has your journey looked like?
I joined Cochran in August 1983, on a four-year apprentice plater scheme. Even back then the company was renowned in the area for the quality of its apprenticeship training – so when there was an opportunity to join, I jumped at the chance.
My apprenticeship, which I completed alongside attending Dumfries & Galloway College of Technology, provided my initial experience in pressure valve manufacture, boiler assembly and manufacturing as well as light and heavy plate fabrication.
I was also given the opportunity to spend training periods within quality control and the drawing office. This provided invaluable experience and an understanding of the importance of precision measuring, learning how to identify and then avoid flaws in fabrications and design clashes.
Following my apprenticeship, I spent 8 years honing my craft as a Plater and worked across diverse projects such as interrupter chambers, power transformer tanks and an oil fractionator tower.
In the years that followed, I worked across the business gaining experience and making my mark across procurement, maintenance, manufacturing, health & safety, quality assurance, quality and production control.
As a people focused business leader and experienced manager with broad knowledge, I’d say I’m a problem solver and decision maker with the tenacity and drive to get things done. I employ this philosophy on a regular basis in my current role to support management teams in manufacturing, purchasing, spares, service and customer training.
What do you feel sets Cochran apart and would you attribute to your longevity with the company?
The company provided me with a wealth of opportunities to grow and develop as well as enabling me to be a mentor and coach. It really does feel like being part of a family when you work here.
It has a proactive and supportive atmosphere with good people that are passionate and proud about what they do. Lean thinking and a continuous improvement approach is encouraged.
And, away from work how do you fill your time?
Well, like many employees I have a real pride in what I do. But for me, this sometimes translates into being a bit of a workaholic so it’s not unheard of me doing Cochran work in my spare time. Aside from that and foremost, I’m a proud dad of five, with two grandchildren so a lot of my time outside of work is spent enjoying family life.
Thank you to Allan for sharing his Cochran journey so far, and the passion he has for this business. To keep up to date with our news, views and vacancies connect with us on LinkedIn.