J Todd Plant Services’ continued growth has allowed the Auchtermuchty-based firm to take on a youngster who visited the firm’s HQ to ask if it could help him continue his apprenticeship after his previous employer went into administration.
Despite having no plans to take on an apprentice at the time, director Jamie Todd told Project Plant he was so impressed with 22-year-old John MacDonald’s initiative and desire to ask the question in person that he decided to give him an opportunity.
“John came in and said that he wanted to further his career in the plant and agricultural sector, despite what happened with his previous employer,” Jamie explained, before telling how it transpired that his college tutor, Andy Cowan, was Jamie’s own instructor back in his apprenticeship days!
“He’s turned out a really good lad. He’s been working all over the place – we’re trying to put him through his apprenticeship how I was brought up, so he can turn his hand to anything; he’s not restricted to just working on machines; he can do agricultural machines or cranes.”
J Todd Plant Services specialises in plant machinery solutions, offering a range of services including maintenance, repair, and machinery hire. John joins a team of nine mobile engineers of varying disciplines, with Jamie having steadily added to the team since the business was founded in 2019. Admitting that he could do with more, the priority when it comes to recruitment is making sure anyone who joins the business is the right fit for clients.
“We’ve got a massive customer base, and they know that if they phone us, we’re going be there – regardless of the time,” Jamie added. “Our guys have a can-do attitude and have diverse skillsets. One day they’re servicing Stihl saws; the next they’re on a dump truck at a wind farm. We’ve got great experience across the board and that’s what I like about our guys – anything that breaks down they are always prepared to dive in and help the clients out.”
Recent standout projects include an engine rebuild on a Volvo 120 loading shovel, a transmission rebuild on a JCB 540-140 telehandler, and a full wiring harness replacement on a Doosan DX140 excavator.
J Todd Plant Services bought over East Coast Propshafts & Hydraulic Hoses Ltd in May 2023, relocating the Cowdenbeath firm to its base in Auchtermuchty, Fife and dealing with its existing client base which includes main dealers such as Volvo, DAF, MAN and AM Phillips. The business forms part of Industrial Group, which includes business partners I-Scaff and Johnston Rigging Fife. This part of the business focuses on planned maintenance and projects for main distillery clients throughout Scotland.
