20 Years of John Rymell at Hitachi Construction Machinery UK

In honour of 20 Years of Hitachi Construction Machinery UK in Hebburn, we have interviewed some of the employees that have been part of the business since the day that the doors opened at Unit 5.

Could you briefly introduce yourself? Eg – name, are you married? Kids? Hobbies

My name is John Rymell. I have a partner Rachael, and together we have four children: Estelle, Amelia, Brandon, and Joshua, who certainly keep me busy outside of work! When I do find some downtime, I enjoy going to the gym and taking walks with our dog, Maisie, a Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

How long have you worked for HCMUK and what is your current job role?

I’ve been with Hitachi Construction Machinery UK for nearly 20 years now, having joined the company on December 13th, 2004, as a Service Controller. At that time, the company had just relocated from Bridgwater and was still known as HM Plant. Currently, I serve as the Service and Warranty Manager. One of my key responsibilities is ensuring that the large volume and value of warranty claims are processed efficiently, flowing from the field to the office and then onto Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe for successful approval.

What are some of your most memorable projects?

It’s been exciting to witness the evolution of the machines over the years, being here for the launch of the -3, -5, -6, and -7 models. Each series brings its own set of innovations to meet the increasingly demanding markets and regulations. Of course, they come with a few teething issues that the Product Support Department must tackle in the early months, which I find to be an enjoyable challenge.

I also have fond memories of managing the HM Isuzu account for their engines. One memorable aspect was sending field service engineers to canal boats, navigating country towpaths to reach them, before having to remove their boots to work on people’s homes—it always brings a smile to my face.

What makes you proud to work for HCMUK?

The people, the product, the work environment.

I’ve been fortunate to work alongside many intelligent and passionate individuals during my time here. I’ve tried to learn from their expertise and reflect that in my own work, as well as in my interactions with others.

We take the base product from Hitachi and tailor it specifically for the UK market, which has its own rigorous standards—distinct from the rest of Europe. This can be quite challenging for all departments involved in delivering the final product, but we always rise to the occasion and produce a market-leading solution.

I’ve always enjoyed coming to work because of the great mix of people. Everyone has a strong work ethic, striving to meet their goals while tackling daily challenges, and we maintain a strong sense of camaraderie as we do so.

Describe one of your favourite work moments.

After 20 years, there are too many experiences to recount. The move to the Port of Tyne was especially significant. From starting as a small team of five, working in an office that was part of what is now the Hebburn canteen, split into three smaller spaces. Over time, we transitioned to a dedicated Parts and Service facility that can accommodate 32 PS staff in the main office, a clear reflection of the company’s growth and investment.

I’m excited to see how much further we will develop in the next 20 years!

Which of our values comes into play during your day-to-day work?

Without being too cliche, all of them.

Customer: We are a customer-facing team, and we understand that when a customer contacts us – whether it’s about a small or large machine – it’s a critical moment for their business. Their operations rely on us to help them get back on track as quickly as possible.

Integrity: Being honest with our customers is essential. We are transparent and upfront, never promising what we can’t deliver. While the news may not always be what they want to hear (sometimes resulting in a warm ear!) but in the long run, they value our honesty and reliability.

Innovation: The Product Support Department continuously finds creative solutions to minimise downtime. This often requires mobilising people and parts across the country, or even across Europe, at any hour of the day or night. In critical situations, we’ve arranged flights to ensure urgent parts reach their destination, keeping vital equipment running.

People: None of this would be possible without the dedicated individuals I have the privilege of working with. They are the backbone of everything we achieve.

How has the company’s culture changed over the years?

The company culture, like the business itself, has evolved significantly over time. In the early days, we operated as a privately-owned company, becoming a subsidiary of HCME in 2007, and then rebranding as HCMUK in 2014. The way things were run back then simply wouldn’t be effective today.

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift, with employees receiving more recognition and having more opportunities for growth. Transparency and communication have also improved, allowing people to stay informed about what’s happening within the business. This is a stark contrast to the early days when many discussions took place behind closed doors, leaving employees less aware of the company’s direction.

Additionally, the emphasis on mental health and flexibility is something that wouldn’t have been considered or available when I first started with the company.

Name a role model who has inspired you in your career in the last 20 years.

Joan Langston, a cherished colleague who is sadly no longer with us, was someone I deeply admired. She was already here when I first joined, sitting beside me as one of the three controllers and an administrator who managed the team of seventeen engineers across the company.

Joan was a constant source of support and guidance—always strong, approachable, and willing to make time for everyone. We worked together for many years, tackling countless challenges side by side. Though we occasionally disagreed, we always kept things light-hearted and remained friends by the end of the day.

Thank you John, for your continued hard work over the last 20 years!