Herbert Hermens – Chief Executive Officer
Herbert was appointed as Keech’s third chief executive officer in 2008, succeeding Barry Ellis, who retired after 25 years with the company, including 10 as CEO.
Herbert is responsible for managing all aspects of the company. He is also a member of the board along with David and Garth Keech.
A widely experienced executive, Herbert’s career has included international operating responsibility extending from sales and marketing management and general management to managing director roles in the industrial, professional and consumer products industries.
Some of Herbert’s career achievements include entering new distribution channels, positioning organisations for sustainable growth and launching new products as well as developing strong business links with key distributors, suppliers and end users.
Herbert is based at Keech’s head office and foundry in Bendigo.
David Keech – Director, Sales and Marketing
David Keech is part of the third generation of the Keech family to own and operate Keech Castings Australia, continuing an unbroken lineage that dates back to 1934.
David started out in the foundry in 1974, learning the business from the ground up and going on to work in every aspect of the production process over the following five years.
He assumed day-to-day management responsibility for Keech Castings Australia in 1986, along with his cousin and business partner Garth Keech. David and Garth purchased the business in 1991.
Today, David is a company board member and manages the sales and marketing operation. In addition to overseeing national and international sales management, he is Regional Sales Manager for Australia’s eastern states.
David is based at the company’s Sydney office.
Garth Keech – Director, Manufacturing
Garth Keech, a third-generation Keech to own and operate Keech Castings Australia, started out in the company’s foundry as a trainee metallurgist in 1974.
Since then, he has acquired more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of foundry production and management.
Garth assumed day to day management responsibility for the company in 1986, along with his cousin and business partner David Keech.
A respected industry leader, Garth is a past state and national president of the Australian Foundry Institute, and past member of the National Cast Metals Council of the Australian Industry Group.
Today, Garth is based at the company’s head office and manufacturing plant in Bendigo, Victoria. He is a company board member and manages the overall production function. He is ultimately responsible for product design, engineering and quality along with technical support and continuous improvement.
Dr. Bala Hebbar – Quality Assurance Manager
Bala Hebbar was appointed Quality Assurance Manager at Keech Castings Australia in 2008 and brought with him more than 20 years’ experience in the metallurgical and foundry industries, including over a decade of experience in maintaining ISO 9000 in casting manufacturing.
Bala is a PhD qualified metallurgical engineer whose previous roles included foundry management, QA management, methods engineering and product development. Before joining Keech, he worked in New Zealand, Ghana and India and has previously worked with some of the world’s largest mining companies including Ashanti Gold and BHP Billiton.
As QA Manager, Bala oversees the Quality Department and the quality assurance accreditation program, in line with ISO 9001-2008. Bala works closely with Keech customers to ensure the quality of their parts, to develop quality plans, and to answer customer questions or concerns.
Bala is based in Bendigo.
Cameron Watts – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Cameron joined Keech Australia as HR Manager in 1998. After seven years in that role, he moved into the position of Foundry Manager for five years, before becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2010.
Cameron manages the planning, organisation and management of Keech Australia’s manufacturing site. His responsibilities include all foundry production related issues, from ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with statuary regulations to management of the site’s staff and equipment.
As COO, Cameron works closely with Keech Australia’s directors and senior staff, bringing the manufacturing perspective to business decisions.
Cameron is committed to the achievement of company goals and contributing to the overall growth of the business.
Cameron is based in Bendigo.
MARK ADAMS – REGIONAL SALES & EXPORT mANAGER
Mark joined Keech Australia in 1989 after almost 15 years experience in mechanical maintenance roles in both underground and open pit mining. In 1992 Mark was appointed Regional Sales Manager and given responsibility for setting up a new Keech branch in Adelaide, South Australia.
Since his appointment as Regional Sales Manager, Marks role has expanded to to include Export Sales Management and Product Development as a member of the Keech Product Development Team.
Mark’s expertise is in the Underground Mining Market, including Loader Buckets, GET, Bucket Protection Systems and Performance Monitoring Systems.
Mark is based in Goolwa, South Australia,