Meet Our Drawing Office Manager | Dave Cotton

At Kilns & Furnaces, our success is built on quality and expertise, and few exemplify this better than Dave Cotton, our longest-serving Drawing Office Manager with over 50 years of dedicated service. Today, we want to highlight Dave’s invaluable contributions and delve into the kiln design process he has perfected over the years, enriched by a lifetime of diverse engineering experience.

A Lifetime of Engineering Mastery

Dave’s journey in engineering began in 1961 at Stanfield Technical High School in Stoke-on-Trent, where he studied multiple engineering disciplines, mastering both the practical and theoretical elements of the field. His fascination with how things are constructed, their materials, and the qualities they bring to the final product naturally led him into the world of design engineering.

Starting his career at the age of 16 as a Draughtsman, Dave’s early work spanned a variety of fields—from sewage works and artificial hearts to air conditioning systems and submarines. These experiences gave him a broad understanding of engineering applications, which he brought with him when he joined Kilns & Furnaces mid-1970’s.

The Evolution of Kiln Design

While the kiln design process has evolved significantly over the decades, the core principles—efficiency, durability, and precision—remain unchanged. Dave has consistently upheld these values, ensuring that innovation never compromises the essentials of good design.

Dave’s career has spanned significant transformations in British engineering, from the introduction of the metric system in the 1970s to the transition from hand-drawn designs to computer-aided design (CAD). By the age of 20, he was already working through the paper-to-digital transformation, using early technologies like dot matrix plotters. As the industry advanced, so did Dave, seamlessly transitioning to innovative programmes such as Generic CADD and, to this day, leveraging tools like VisualCAD.

Marrying Tradition with Technology

Despite the technological advancements, Dave’s design process begins with a traditional approach—starting with pencil and paper. This method, refined over decades, allows him to visualise the kiln’s structure in its simplest, most practical form. His artistic talent shines through in these initial sketches, where his keen eye for detail ensures that every design is grounded in craftsmanship.

Once the concept is sketched, Dave transitions to advanced design software, refining his ideas with precision. This blend of tradition and modern technology enables him to create bespoke industrial solutions tailored to specific client needs.

Commitment to Quality and Client Satisfaction

Dave’s contributions go beyond technical expertise; his deep understanding of kiln operation and client requirements ensures that each design is both technically sound and practically effective. Whether developing standard models or bespoke solutions, Dave’s designs consistently deliver long-term value and enhance our clients’ operations.

His foresight in addressing potential challenges during the design phase has saved countless hours in production and installation, significantly contributing to the efficiency and success of our projects. Dave’s unwavering commitment to quality makes him an invaluable member of our team and a trusted partner to our clients.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the field of kiln design will continue to evolve, with new technologies and environmental considerations playing a key role. With experienced professionals like Dave, Kilns & Furnaces is well-positioned to continue delivering innovative, high-quality kiln solutions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dave for his outstanding service and dedication. His expertise is a cornerstone of our success.

If you’d like to learn more about our kiln design process or explore bespoke solutions for your business, please get in touch. We’re here to help you find the perfect kiln solution tailored to your needs.

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📧 sales@kilns.co.uk
📞 +44 (0) 1782 344270