Powering forward: Richard Hemmings on innovation, reliability and what comes next

Known for his strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and ability to build and lead high-performing teams, Richard has nearly two decades of experience with Perkins. Starting out as a graduate trainee in Peterborough, UK, Richard subsequently progressed through various roles within SMSP, including account management, market development, strategy, sales and most recently general manager for aftermarket. Since January 1, Richard has taken over as vice president and general manager for global sales, marketing, service and parts, which sees him lead the commercial business, responsible for global industrial power sales and marketing, and parts for the Perkins Aftermarket business.

Richard, many thanks for your time today. How’s the new role going? 

“I’m excited to have taken on this role. It’s an important time for us as we continue to implement our strategic plan for profitable growth. As the industrial landscape changes, the work we are doing now is positioning our business for continued long-term success as customers, industries and technologies continually shift and evolve.

“We’re here to solve our customers’ toughest challenges. They are at the centre of everything we do which is why our priorities and major developments are focused around continuing to deliver the portfolio of power systems our customers rely on, including a full range of optimised diesel engines, fuel flexible power systems, hybrid and battery-electric solutions. We’re also focused on how they are supported once out in the field through connectivity, condition monitoring, aftermarket services and support.”

How does the Perkins brand promise underpin your work with customers? 

“Over the last few years we’ve talked a lot about ‘Together, we power ahead’ and that continues to underpin what the Perkins brand stands for. Collaboration isn’t just a value; it’s in our DNA and how we work every day. We’re committed to delivering to delivering for our customers, now and in the future, through smarter, more efficient power solutions, defining the internal combustion engine of the future, with more to come in the next few years.

“Our promise also goes beyond engines. We focus on nurturing long term customer relationships, making it easier and more convenient to get the most out of each power solution with parts eCommerce, connectivity and condition monitoring, replacement engines, and a global distributor network that’s always ready to support our customers and end users.”

You’ve already mentioned that the industrial landscape is changing, so with this being a CONEXPO-CON/AGG and a Bauma China year, what are your thoughts on the construction site of the future?

“We’re going to see an increasing amount of complexity on jobsites, as the construction site of the future will have a mix of power solutions. That mix will change by region and maybe industry segment as well. 

“This will mean a greater focus on diesel technology specifically around driving ongoing efficiency, coupled with the fact that customers are also looking to burn less fuel, without necessarily having to change technology.

“Jobsites could also see increased use of other solutions such as using the right sized generator set running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).  

“Our product strategy is focused on meeting the needs of the jobsite both today and tomorrow. We know our customers need to continue lowering total cost of ownership; be ready for future technologies and emissions; maximise power and torque; design for rebuild and remanufacture and have a fuel flexible offering. Examples of how we’re supporting our customers are the new 129 kW (173 hp) high-power 904 Series we’ve just launched as CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the 2600 Series already announced, and more to follow, as we push the boundaries of power.”

If OEMs are keen to understand how the new 3.6 litre for example, might bring additional benefits to their machinery, what can Perkins do to help them? 

“We actively help OEMs to achieve their objectives with the support of our Customer Machine Engineering Team (CMET), which was formed in 2017, following years of machine development and validation within the Perkins Global Development Centre.

“This team can help OEMs address their challenges, whether that’s an engine swap, finding cost savings in machine design, hybridising a machine, or drawing and testing work. Comprised of design engineers, technicians and engine installation experts, CMET works in close collaboration with global OEMs’ engineers to streamline the process of say engineering the 3.6 litre engine into their machine and optimising the engine’s performance to meet the OEMs’ customers’ needs. Typically, OEMs that collaborate with our CMET, can save up to nine months from their research and development (R&D) programmes, and build more profitable and marketable machines.”

Why should an OEM who doesn’t already work with Perkins, consider doing so? 

“I’d say we’re a trusted partner who knows the industry inside out and truly understands he needs and challenges faced by our customers. Their goals and opportunities inspire us to innovate, which is why we work hand in hand with them to ensure their business success, today and tomorrow.

“Whether it’s optimised internal combustion, a hybrid solution or full electrification, our team of expert engineers are focused on providing power systems that are built to perform and integration services that reduce the development timescale for our customers.

“Perkins offers one of the largest power system portfolios in the industry, in addition to services and technologies that enable OEMs to build machines engineered for efficiency, productivity and fuel flexibility. And our power solutions are backed by digital connectivity services, providing valuable data to customers, who supported by our global distribution network, can help to keep their engines operating at optimum productivity.”

Part two of Richard’s interview will be published in the next quarterly issue of Powernews.