On 1 October Thombs will take over from current managing director David Larcombe, who has been with the company for 40 years. Larcombe started as an apprentice at FJ Edwards, which became Edwards Pearson and subsequently Bystronic UK. He will continue helping Thombs full-time until the end of the year, and will then work part-time for the subsidiary, as well as for Bystronic's Swiss headquarters.
Larcombe says: "I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every moment of the past 40 years in this industry. Bystronic has been a great company to work for, with such interesting products and services. I have made many great friends over the years within our customer base and I look forward to keeping in touch for many years to come, so I will not be disappearing."
For the past two decades, Thombs was employed by a company specialising in automotive robotics and automation. Serving in different management positions, latterly as commercial director, he developed a reputation for a strong focus on customer care.
Thombs gained a degree in Mechanical Design Engineering at Coventry University and his career has been spent entirely within the engineering sector. He has continued his professional development and was awarded the accolade of ‘Large Company Director of the Year’ in 2015 by the Institute of Directors West Midlands.
