Andrew Millard - Managing Director

I founded GoTools in 2012 having worked in
high volume precision manufacturing companies
for 22 years so I have a thorough understanding
of what is expected from a tooling supplier and
myself as Managing Director.

What I really enjoy about my job are the
engineering challenges and the great
team of people I work with.

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Meet the Team

The Production Team

Phillip Canadine – Works Manager

I joined GoTools in 2012 after having spent 20 years working in this industry previously.

I enjoy being busy all the time and seeing tooling parts being transformed from CAD models on the computer to actual steel parts. Since being at GoTools I have enhanced my machining skills, ie machining hardened metals which I hadn’t done before. I have also learned to use Solid-Works to do electrode modelling. Currently I am the GoTools GLIDE representative.

My hobbies include watching and playing cricket during the summer months and also playing golf when I get the time!

Steven Barrowcliff - Technical Director

I joined GoTools in 2013 having worked for 40 years in this industry.

Despite being in this industry for 40 years I am always learning but recently I have been training on Ops-Ingersoll. What I really enjoy about my job is working to create a state-of-the-art toolroom and a good clean environment for people to work in.

In my spare time I enjoy DIY, walking, holidays and cycling.

Andy Halsall - Toolmaker

I joined GoTools in 2012 and have been working in toolmaking for 35 years.

My favourite things about working at GoTools are the tooling projects to tight tolerance and I also really enjoy coming up with new ideas.

Since working here I’ve been trained in CNC Programming and using new EDM technology.

Outside work my hobbies and interests include motorsport and going to the local for a few beers!

Phil Eyre – Tool Maker

I joined GoTools in 2014 and I love everything about my job! I’ve been in this sector for over 43 years now!

My hobbies include golf.

Andrew Wasnidge – Tool Maker

I joined GoTools quite recently in April 2015.

Prior to joining GoTools I have spent 33 years training and working in the toolmaking/engineering industry.

I’m enjoying my job at GoTools, the work is varied, it’s a nice working environment and my colleagues are great to work with and already I am participating in on going training on the Ingersoll Spark Machine.

In my spare time I enjoy golf and cycling!

Steve Swift – Tool Maker

I’ve been in this type of industry since leaving school in 1987…

going straight into doing a full apprenticeship which included a EITB (Engineering Industry Training Board) and started working at GoTools in 2014.

I enjoy everything about my job, it’s a relaxed working environment with plenty of new things to focus on and since joining I have already been sent on training courses for our new state-of-the-art Wire Erosion and Spark Erosion machinery as well as a leadership training course!

My hobbies and interests include F1, football, pool and fishing.

Chris Normington – Apprentice Tool Maker

I joined GoTools in June and I started an apprenticeship with them directly.

They’ve been giving me lots of training and have been acquiring new skills such as tapping through to more technical skills such as setting up the CNC machines, use of most machining in the workshop as well as competent use of the laser engraver.

The working environment here at GoTools is relaxed and there is a good team of people from whom I receive my training.

My interests include football and skiing.

Ryan Black – Apprentice Tool Maker

I joined GoTools in 2014 and have been in this industry for 2 years now.

I’m here at GoTools as an Apprentice Tool Maker in association with the ‘Rotherham College of Art and Technology.

One of the things I enjoy in general about my training is being able to be part of making quality tooling and also enjoying a laugh with my colleagues. So far I have learned to use the laser engraver, Lilian CNC and manual machines.

In my spare time I like trying to stay healthy and
going to the gym, boxing and cars.

Shaun Palfreyman - Design Manager

I joined GoTools in 2015 and have been in this industry for 30 years.

I’m here at GoTools as Project Manager and nothing gives me better job satisfaction than when a project is successfully completed and the customer is happy.

In my spare time I really enjoy fishing, cycling and spending time with my family.

Gary Mellor – CNC Engineer

I joined GoTools in 2015 having spent 35 years working in this type of industry.

I enjoy the challenge of manufacturing one off parts to close tolerance and working with this skilled team to produce quality products. Am eagerly looking forward to the opportunity of enhancing my skills here at GoTools.

My hobbies include motorcycles, car and boat maintenance, marine life, scuba diving and snorkelling and dog walking.

Keith Horsley – Toolmaker

I joined GoTools in 2015 having spent 42 years in this type of industry.

I enjoy the new challenges my job brings and also the different people I meet and am looking forward to gaining new skills in the future. Every day I learn something new.

One of my biggest passions beyond my job as a toolmaker is fishing!

Shauna Mitchell – Administrator

I joined GoTools in 2014 and came on-board as an office administrator.

I’ve spent the last 4 years working in manufacturing but only a year dealing with tool makers though! On a daily basis I really enjoy the relaxed working environment and working with such a funny bunch of guys!

During my time with GoTools I have learnt to deal with accounts and have also learnt about tooling. I had no idea something called a ‘Sprue Bush’ existed before I started working here!

Outside work my hobbies include fixing everything that breaks in my first house, gardening and looking after my three nephews (they are cute but definitely know how to channel Damian at times)

Kate Wharmsby – Office Administrator

I joined GoTools in December 2016 after spending over 20 years in the mining industry.

I am enjoying the change and the challenge of learning new things involved in the tool industry. My colleagues at GoTools are a great bunch of people and have helped me to get to grips with my new role.

I have 3 daughters so they take up most of my spare time, I also enjoy socialising with friends and family whenever possible.

Paul Wright – Toolmaker

I joined GoTools in 2016 with 25 years’ experience in toolmaking.

I have always wanted to keep up with technological advances in machinery and thought GoTools was the place to do that.

My hobbies include pool, snooker and motorsport.

Nick Jones – Design Engineer

I joined GoTools in December 2017 having previously spent 4 years in the industry.

I enjoy working as a designer, constantly being challenged by different ideas and designs. I am looking forward to enhancing my skills and working closely with other departments to gain new skills.

In my spare time, I am a keen runner. I am currently taking part in the Yorkshire Half Marathon 2017. I also play football for my local team, Dronfield Woodhouse FC.

Kane Wasnidge – Apprentice Toolmaker

I joined GoTools in September 2015 as an apprentice toolmaker and I attend the AMRC training centre.

I am enjoying my job at GoTools as it is a friendly environment and there are a lot of nice people to work with. I enjoy producing intricate parts using manual machinery and fitting them into the mold tool assembly. I am looking forward to improving my skills as a tool maker and seeing what the future holds at GoTools.

My hobbies include playing football, snooker, golf and watching Sheffield United.

Pete Hallam – Benchman

I joined GoTools in January 2017 as a polisher and I have also worked on the building improvements.

Each job I take on offers its own challenge which I enjoy and get great satisfaction at the end results.

My hobbies include walking my 2 staffies and birdwatching.

Tony Tilson-Cliffe – Toolmaker

I joined GoTools in January 2017 and I have been in the Industry since leaving school.

I came from a factory environment of maintenance and repair of tooling to building new tooling which I really enjoy.

Outside of work I enjoy cycling and socialising with my friend “Guiness”

Mark Varnam – Toolmaker

I joined GoTools in 2016 as a toolmaker and I have been in the tooling industry for 41 years.

I am enjoying my time at GoTools, using the skills I have acquired over my career and passing my knowledge on to the GoTools apprentices.

My main hobby is anything to do with cars but I am currently sourcing Koi Carp for my fish pond as this is a new hobby I am interested in.