Meet the Team Behind Our Brand New Sample Preparation Facility!
Alfred H Knight’s new state-of-the-art sample preparation facility in Kilmarnock is now fully operational, so we’ve taken a deeper look into the profiles of some of the key figures who will make our Olympic Business Park facility exemplary.
The industry-leading, specialist facility oversees the sample preparation of Biomass, Coal SRF and MSW in order to support increased demand for sampling and analysis services in the solid fuel sectors.
Here are just a select few of the key people behind the operations:
BRIAN BOYD
Group Sampling & Sample Preparation Manager
Brian has been a part of Alfred H Knight for over 25 years, having originally started as a mineral sampler at our Hunterston Coal terminal in 1988. He has represented the organisation globally during his time, providing training, setting up new preparation facilities and advising clients based on his extensive knowledge and experience.
Brian’s role is very much ‘hands-on’ with the day-to-day organisation and ongoing development of the sampling and sample preparation team. The team works hand in glove to supply our laboratories with suitably prepared samples from the coal alternative fuels and biomass sectors in an efficient and prompt manner.
“To see this new purpose-built facility that took in the views and opinions of the people working within it has been a breath of fresh air! The investment into extraction systems and facilities that’s for the well-being of our staff is nothing short of commendable, with specific process streams for different commodities.”
CRAIG STEVENSON
Deputy Sampling & Sample Preparation Manager
Craig Stevenson has been helping AHK clients understand the full potential of their coal-based fuels for over 23 years, having previously worked in site maintenance at Hunterston Power Station.
Craig assists Brian in the day-to-day running of operations at the Olympic Park facility. This includes the planning of operations, preparing samples for laboratory analysis, training and developing the sample preparation team and ensuring proper maintenance and upkeep of all instruments.
“I’m excited to be working in a new, state-of-the-art facility as the company continues to expand.”
BARRY GLASS
Senior Sampling & Preparation Analyst
Barry has been sampling and preparing fuel streams with Alfred H Knight for 14 years. His role sees him sampling and Inspecting cargo loadings and ensuring that our client’s interests are maintained in line with specifications and instructions.
As part of the move to Olympic park, Barry gets the opportunity to work with alternative fuel streams and utilise his experience to coordinate with other departments to continue to deliver reliable and fast turnaround times for our clients.
“It’s always good working with new equipment and learning new skills for new fuel streams that might come along the way. Working with a good team always makes it better too”
DARREN HARRIS
Sampling & Preparation Analyst
Darren has been part of the AHK team for 7 Months, having previously worked in the coal, retail, meat processing and automotive industries. His role at the Olympic Park facility consists of preparing samples for analysis, carrying out compositional analysis, checking and recording moisture levels within samples
Darren supports clients by providing sampling reports highlighting potential issues such as contamination, potential impact from varying weather conditions and all other relevant information, helping them to build a reliable profile of their material.
“I am excited about the new facilities at Olympic Park, including the dedicated coal, biomass and waste preparation sections. It is an exciting step forward for everyone.”