Richard Slatem, founder and Chairman of Fuelwood has recently retired. Richard is recognised throughout the forestry and arboriculture industry for his passion, commitment and contribution to the kindling and firewood machinery sector. With now well over 30 years serving the forestry machinery and related markets, Richard is very well known throughout the industry and will be much missed.
From his earliest years as a mechanical engineering apprentice, Richard has pursued his passion for making beautifully engineered products. Richard has driven innovation in the design, manufacture and servicing of ever more effective and efficient kindling and firewood production machinery. Since forming Fuelwood, Richard has seen the business grow not only to be a major supplier in the UK but also exporting to many overseas markets through its international distributor base.
What was Richard’s vision when he formed Fuelwood? “British engineering design and manufacture has always led the world. My vision was to harness that expertise to create a range of innovative world class products for the forestry, arboriculture and woodland management markets” says Richard. The proof that Richard has achieved his vision has been the huge success of Fuelwood’s Kindlet, Splitta and Transaw ranges. Products now used extensively across the industry, with a reputation for ease of use, high productivity and reliability that is second to none. Richard was also instrumental in importing into the UK a range of complementary equipment and machinery for forestry and woodland management from some of Europe’s leading manufacturers.
But where does Richard’s retirement leave Fuelwood? Well Richard’s son Jeremy is Managing Director and his other son Peter is Production Manager. They are both well established in their roles, and have already been running the business for a number of years. With ambitious plans in place for new product launches and increased export in coming years, the business is in safe hands. “My sons and all our excellent staff here share my passion for this business and this industry, there is still plenty more to come from Fuelwood” said Richard.
But what will Richard be up to in retirement? “Well travel is firmly on the agenda, this time at perhaps a more leisurely pace than when opening up new markets for Fuelwood. However, on my trips I still plan to drop in and visit many of the great friends I have made amongst Fuelwood’s customers, distributors and suppliers.”
So before heading off on his retirement, did Richard have any closing words he wanted to share? “This is a great industry full of the nicest people and great fun to work in. The renewable energy market is an important sector so very worthwhile. We need to attract young and innovative people into the sector and to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The industry has a great future and I have been proud to have made my contribution.”