The Flextraction Team

At the heart of any good company are the people within it, and here at Flextraction we have a cohesive team that offer a variety of industry and professional experiences that are ideally suited to meeting the demands of our customers.

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  Wally Gilder

  Managing Director

  My working life started as an apprentice draughtsman with a company manufacturing acoustic products, finishing with a Full Technological Certificate in Research & Development, then returning to full time education studying Work Study & Management Services before becoming Organisation & Methods Officer. I joined Dust Control Equipment Ltd and following a 2 year training program became a field Sales Engineer. I have worked in Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) since 1975 and was Principal Consultant of IEC Consultants Ltd and more recently Managing Director of Flextraction Ltd, becoming Chairman in 2011. 

  I was a founder of the Institute of Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers (ILEVE) and currently have involvement in the Extraction Manufacturers and Designers Association (EMADA). I have a very hands on approach to Engineering having designed and installed LEV plant throughout the world and have been involved in LEV training for over 20 years. 
  

  When not working, I have enjoyed playing squash for over 40 years and I am a BSAC qualified SCUBA diving instructor and additionally, a qualified Golf referee and a past Club Captain.
• 

  Ryan Marsden

  General Manager

  In June 2016 I took up the post of Sales and Marketing Manager at Flextraction, continuing a long career in the dust and fume extraction industry. I now hold the position of General Manager, being responsible for all the functions of that post and at the same time continue to develop the company’s sales strategy, ensuring the growth of new business partnerships. I have two young daughters and a young son and originate from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. I hold a Firearms Licence and thoroughly enjoy both rifle and shotgun shooting.

   
• 

  Joe Cunningham

  Commercial Services Manager

  Originating from Hamilton in Scotland, I enlisted into the Army in the early 1970s as a dog trainer, and following an accident in Hong Kong, took up a clerical and administrative role and left the services after a full career in 1994. I joined Flextraction in 2000 and for a number of years looked after the accounts. Latterly, I have been responsible for product databases and the commercial services functions within the company.

  I have two older children and I live at home with my wife and three younger daughters. I have a strong interest in genealogy, enjoy playing tennis, archery and air rifle shooting, and I follow Hamilton Academical Football Club.
• 

  Helen Gilder

  Accounts & HR Manager

  Following an extensive career with a major high street bank, I joined Flextraction in February 2014. Initially, providing administrative support, preparing and submitting quotations to customers and processing orders received, I now undertake the role of bookkeeper, running all day-to-day processes within the accounts department. I also undertake all the HR functions of the company. Melton Mowbray born and bred, I continue to live locally with my husband and young daughter. I enjoy socialising and holidaying abroad, especially Spain.
• 

  Ashleigh Gifford

  Contracts Manager

  I joined Flextraction in September 2012 initially as a Sales Office Assistant, gaining a valuable insight into the dust and fume extraction industry. Currently, I carry out the oversight on all Contracts and get involved in the Design and Development of new products.
  
  I live in Melton Mowbray with my two young sons and still enjoy playing the odd game for the local Rugby Club. Walking and training my young Red Labrador and learning to play the guitar keeps me busy.
• 

  Pete Newton

  Production/Despatch Supervisor

  I am the Production/Despatch Supervisor which involves the production and assembly of our Hood Positioning Devices (HPDs) and preparing all completed orders for despatch to our customers. I am also responsible for reordering stock and ensuring that stock control is monitored efficiently. I joined the flextraction team in mid 2008 and enjoy working for a small local company.

  I live locally with my wife and young daughter and out of work, my free time is spent gardening and following West Ham United, although my main interest is collecting and listening to music.
• 

  Sophie Attwood

  Sales & Purchasing Administrator

  I joined Flextraction as a Sales & Purchasing Administrator in 2021 and I am quickly learning as much as I can about the Dust & Fume Extraction Industry. I was born in Melton Mowbray and attended college here studying Sociology, Media and Psychology.

  In my spare time I enjoy attending concerts, socialising with friends and spending time with my cat, Freddie.
• 

  Chloe Cooper

  Sales Office Administrator

  Having been involved in office administration for some years, I joined Flextraction in February 2022 and currently undertake the role of Sales Office administrator. My primary duties include providing customer quotations and general administrative support to the sales team. I was born in Leicester and now live Melton Mowbray. I have a young daughter and enjoy family time, and when time permits, I enjoy socialising with friends.