Meet our team.
Our Technical Distribution team combines deep product knowledge with years of industry experience to deliver the right solutions for every customer. From component supply to complete automation systems, the team is here to provide expert advice, trusted support, and a personal approach. With backgrounds in engineering, technical sales, and specialist product areas, they work closely with end users and OEMs across the UK to solve challenges and keep projects moving.
David Owen Divisional Manager.
David has over 30 years’ experience in engineering, sales, and management, including 20 years with SMC Corporation. Since joining Applied Automation four years ago, he has led the Technical Distribution division from the Cardiff branch. He values building trusted customer relationships and helping solve complex challenges, supported by the expertise of the wider Applied Automation Group.
Mike Blowey Application Sales Engineer
Mike has been with Applied Automation for over 18 years, starting in the sales office before moving into external sales, where he has spent the past eight to nine years. With broad knowledge of all core Technical Distribution products, he works with a wide range of customers, with Medical and Life Sciences forming some of his key accounts.
Covering the South West region (PL, EX, TR, TQ), Mike is based at our Plympton office and lives in Tavistock. He enjoys the variety of his role, from supporting individual innovators to large blue-chip companies.
For Mike, Applied stands out for its loyalty to distribution partners and its solutions-led approach. Outside of work, he’s a keen football fan, a regular at Home Park supporting Plymouth Argyle, and a proud owner of two sausage dogs.
Brendan O’Connor Sales Application Engineer
Brendan re-joined Applied Automation in 2024, having previously worked in the Build-to-Print division, and now focuses on Technical Distribution. With a career spanning roles in sales, branch management, and external sales, he has built strong expertise across linear rail, pneumatics, ball screws and, more recently, MayTec profile solutions.
Working with OEMs, SPM builders, and end users across industries including automotive, print and packaging, and pharmaceuticals, Brendan covers the Midlands region from his home office in Milton Keynes. He enjoys being out with customers, seeing applications first-hand, and supporting projects from concept through to finished product.
For Brendan, Applied stands out as a family-owned business with a strong culture of knowledge and experience. Outside of work, he is a keen speedway fan, often following races at Oxford and Leicester, and hopes to take part in another speedway experience in the future.
Gavin Ford Sales Manager
Gavin has been with Applied Automation since 1996, starting his career in internal sales before moving into external sales and later sales management. Today he works closely with the external sales team, helping to drive growth and expand product knowledge across a wide portfolio.
Based in South Wales, Gavin supports customers across South Wales and the South West in a variety of industries. He enjoys working as part of a team, meeting new people, and solving customer applications. Outside of work, he’s a keen mountain biker and runner who also enjoys socialising and spending time with his family.
Leigh Jenkins Field Technical Support Engineer
Leigh has been with Applied Automation for two and a half years, bringing extensive experience as an Electro/Mechanical Maintenance Engineer. With expertise in PLCs, SCADA systems, communication networks and machine safety, he supports customers and the sales team across all areas of Technical Distribution.
Specialising in Universal Robots, Omron, SMC and vision systems, Leigh enjoys helping customers solve problems and showing the real value Applied can offer. He values the company’s ability to deliver anything from a single product to a fully integrated production line, supported by strong after-sales service.
A proud Welshman, Leigh is passionate about rugby, enjoys sea swimming and paddle boarding, and has recently returned to fishing after a long break.
Ben Hughes Application Sales Engineer
Ben joined Applied Automation in June 2025, bringing experience from roles in technical buying and sales engineering. Starting as a Technical Buyer Apprentice, he gained early exposure to suppliers, engineering drawings and costings before moving into sales, where he specialised in bespoke aluminium frameworks. That mix of commercial and technical knowledge now shapes his role at Applied.
Covering the North West and based on the Wales-England border in Shropshire, Ben works with customers in metrology, aerospace, manufacturing and machine building. He enjoys the variety of projects, from enclosing CMMs to designing full machine frames, and seeing them progress from concept to finished build.
For Ben, Applied stands out for its in-house capabilities and broad portfolio. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and the outdoors, as well as running a long-standing passion project of buying and reselling.
Jon-Paul Kelleher Office Manager.
Jon Paul has been with Applied Automation for 23 years, starting his career with Wales Fluid Power on a work experience placement before the company was acquired in 2002. Based in the Cardiff office, he specialises in pneumatics and electronics, supporting a wide range of customers and industries.
He enjoys the variety of his role, finding new solutions for customers, and continuing to learn every day. Outside of work, Jon Paul’s three passions are Liverpool, lasagne, and his wife Leanne — in that order!
Jonathan Humphreys Sales Engineer
Jonathan has been with Applied Automation for three and a half years, bringing experience from the automotive sector where he began his career in technical sales. Moving into automation allowed him to combine his engineering background with helping customers find the right solutions, and he now handles most MayTec enquiries within the distribution team.
Working with industries including automotive, food and beverage, medical and materials handling, Jonathan is based in Wales. He enjoys working closely with customers to understand their challenges and deliver tailored solutions that improve efficiency and productivity.
For Jonathan, what makes Applied stand out is the team’s genuine commitment to providing solutions that work — combining technical expertise with a collaborative, down-to-earth approach that supports customers from start to finish.
Steve Maclean Application Sales Engineer
Bio to follow
Andy Haly Technical Support Manager
Andy has been with Applied Automation for over 30 years, progressing from Sales Engineer to Sales Director before moving into his current role as Technical Support Manager. He specialises in Universal Robots, supporting customers nationwide with training and solutions. Andy particularly enjoys helping those new to automation gain the confidence to run their own robotic systems.
Outside of work, he’s a keen DIY enthusiast who enjoys woodworking, furniture building, and home renovation projects.
Darren Britton Application Sales Engineer
Darren has been with Applied Automation for two years, bringing over two decades of experience from his time at Routeco, where he specialised in Rockwell sales. His expertise spans low voltage and automation, and he works closely with both end users and OEMs.
Based in Bristol, Darren covers Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Dorset. He enjoys helping customers overcome challenges and finding solutions that add real value.
Darren values the broad spectrum of experience and knowledge across the Applied Automation team, as well as the collaborative approach that ensures customers receive the right support every time.
Lawrence Gwynn X-STK & Logistics Manager
Lawrence has been with Applied Automation for around 25 years, bringing experience from wholesale and retail roles across the UK with PLC companies in industries ranging from food to clothing and electricals. At Applied, he oversees goods in and goods out, managing all paperwork, packing and logistics to ensure operations run smoothly.
Supporting customers across the UK, Lawrence takes pride in delivering parts quickly and efficiently, often on a next-day basis. He is especially excited about how the new “superstore” will enhance this service even further.
For Lawrence, the best part of Applied is the camaraderie with colleagues and the efficient way the company works together as one team. Outside of work, his interests include metrology and public speaking as a member of Cardiff Mixed Speakers Club, as well as a strong interest in politics.