Doug Ekserdjian
Not many people can boast of working for the same company for over 40 years. Meet Doug Ekserdjian, Mack Valves Product Development and Application Specialist, a bit of a legend around these parts – and indeed, across the industry. This year he celebrated 44 years with Mack Valves. Over that time, Doug has seen a lot of change within the company and across Australian Manufacturing.
“I started as a 17-year-old and had no idea what a valve was. But valves made sense to me immediately. I thought this is something I can do well (and without bragging, I did better than well!).
Mack was then a family company run by the three brothers. I have the greatest respect for the people I met there, who will always be part of a wider family to me.
My first role at Mack was storeman and junior sales clerk, but in a small branch, you had to be a jack of all trades, so this also included store duties, sales, account chase up, purchasing, costing, site visits for tech support, and the mail! Thanks to my mentors at the time, J.B. Richards and Graham Evans, I fell in love with valves.
In 1978, Mack’s Head Office was based in Box Hill over four different sites employing around 100 people. We have been in our Bayswater HQ since 1981 with almost 50 staff.
Back then, all communication back to head office was via telex or post. The phone was only used on occasion, due to prohibitive costs. Technology has changed, usually for the better. I could never have imagined advances such as 3D modelling and printing that we use today to make our development cycle much more efficient. I can’t imagine designing a valve without this technology now.
Over my time with Mack, I have held different roles, including State Sales Manager SA & WA and National Water Products Manager. I also assisted in the Engineering department, where I was responsible for developing our new 33 Series ACV product range with the Head of Engineering, Chris Browell.
I am currently Cryogenic Product Manager where I am responsible for all cryogenic sales in ANZ, including supporting the sales from our Parent company HEROSE. I’m also the Product Development and Application Specialist for Mack. My responsibilities include application selection, special projects, infrastructure and defence.
My career highlights include developing and introducing the new 33 series ACV to market and bringing the Polyjet multiport valve to Australian markets. I’ve also been fortunate to work on some incredible projects such as the Olympic Dam Fire System, Canning – Serpentine pipeline, Harvey Summit Tank, Collins Class Submarines and the SEA 1000 Future Submarines.”