The end of an era at Schaeffler (UK) Ltd as long-serving MD retires
The end of an era at Schaeffler (UK) Ltd as long-serving MD retires
Nigel Morgan, Managing Director of Schaeffler’s Automotive Aftermarket division in the UK, has decided to step aside after more than 40 years continual service with the company.
Nigel’s rise to aftermarket fame began as a Sales Manager at Alan A Morgan, his family’s company based in the Midlands, which became the sole importer of LuK clutches back in the Eighties. LuK liked what Alan A Morgan did so much it bought the company, which then went through several stages of evolution from LuK Aftermarket Service to the present day Schaeffler (UK) Ltd.
Nigel has presided over a phenomenal period of prosperity for the company in the UK, taking annual turnover from £3Mio to around £150Mio and successfully introducing the INA and FAG brands to join their LuK ‘big brother’. They can also now boast a prominent position in the UK aftermarket, as the preferred brands of many distributors and, importantly, independent technicians.
Schaeffler’s success in the UK can be put down to its philosophy of providing technicians with complete repair solutions, with everything in one box and all in genuine original equipment (OE) quality. As a trusted technical partner and supplier of components and systems to the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, independent technicians soon built up their own trust and loyalty to the LuK, INA and FAG brands. Providing them with free access to the Schaeffler REPXPERT workshop portal and loyalty programme is simply the icing on the cake for many mechanics.
In 2013, at the height of the UK horsemeat scandal, Nigel decided that more also needed to be done to educate the aftermarket about vehicle parts quality, giving installers an informed choice about the differences between OE and non-OE components. Initial adverts from OESAA, the association chaired by Nigel since its conception, featured horse and cow images and triggered a vociferous response from some quarters.
Seven years later and the organisation is still going strong, recently adding new members such as Brembo and Motul, and still educating technicians at major events, including its own Autoinform Live training weekends held in partnership with Frank Massey.
Nigel will continue to be involved with OESAA, leading the campaign in a consultancy capacity after he leaves Schaeffler at the end of March, saying: “I firmly believe that technicians can benefit most from using the parts and services offered by genuine OE suppliers, which offer the best quality and technical backup available to the aftermarket.”
He continued: “OE suppliers are simply the best placed to keep technicians up-to-date with new products, systems and repair methods, as they are supplying these high-tech products and systems to vehicle manufacturers for original fitment.”
“OE suppliers will also continue to be a key source of education and information, as hybridisation and electrification slowly take hold, so there is still an important role for the OESAA campaign to play over the coming years – one which I hope to remain very much a part of.”
Nigel obviously leaves some ‘rather large boots’ to fill at Schaeffler, so stepping up to the newly created position of ‘Country Manager UK & Ireland’ will be Mark Dolloway, who joined Schaeffler from SKF in 2012. Mark will, in turn, be replaced as Sales Director by Matt Selby, another Schaeffler veteran who originally joined the company back in 2007.
As always, the final word belongs to Nigel: “I have enjoyed over 40 wonderful years with Schaeffler, with any expectations I had at the start of this journey completely and utterly fulfilled beyond my wildest imagination.
“However, all of my achievements are also that of the amazing UK team, many of whom have been alongside me at Schaeffler for a very long time. Their hard work, dedication and passion means that I can leave Schaeffler (UK) Ltd knowing that it is in some very capable hands, but this is not a ‘goodbye’, merely an ‘auf wiedersehen’, as there is certainly a lot more for me to do!”
Representatives from Banner Batteries, MAHLE, DENSO, Bosch, Schaeffler, and Brembo will showcase the pedigree of the automotive aftermarket and highlight their expertise to students and apprentices nationwide as OESAA Academy Live makes its return. Three events at Gloucestershire College , Exeter College , and Fareham College will take place on the 16th and 17th October, as well as the 14th November, respectively. These events aim to bolster practical knowledge, showcase technological advancements, and prepare the next generation for successful careers in the automotive sector. The successful format of previous OESAA Academy Live events will be repeated, featuring informative presentations, dynamic demonstrations, and engaging seminars delivered by dedicated OESAA members. DENSO’s Mike Sadler will provide an in-depth exploration and demonstration of spark plugs. He will offer valuable insights into their various functions and importance, as well as the type of plugs available in the automotive aftermarket. Brembo’s Siti Abdullah, meanwhile, will present an overview of braking systems. Her presentation will introduce the importance of safety in using OE and share best practices to enhance the quality of repair and replacement. Colleagues from Schaeffler, MAHLE, Banner Batteries, and Bosch will also showcase their unique skillset at OESAA Academy Live. They will be united in their approach to providing the next generation with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in their studies and future careers. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, added: “It feels great to be returning to colleges after the summer break. Our members are equally refreshed and excited to get back on the road, ready to deliver inspiring and thought-provoking sessions to students and apprentices. “The aforementioned colleges have been tremendous; they’ve subscribed to our approach and, like us, want to deliver outstanding OESAA Academy Live events. It’s vitally important we demonstrate the attraction of the automotive industry.”
Gloucestershire College is eagerly preparing to host OESAA Academy Live. This highly anticipated event, set to take place on Wednesday 16 th October, will offer a unique chance for students and staff to engage directly with industry leaders and explore the latest advancements in automotive technology. Following the successes at Trafford College, Suffolk New College, and HEAT at Blackburn College, OESAA Academy Live continues to provide invaluable insights and hands-on experience to automotive students and apprentices. OESAA Academy Live will return after the summer break, with Gloucestershire College set to host the first of three events: Exeter College and Fareham College will also welcome OESAA on Thursday 17 th October and Thursday 14 th November respectively. OESAA Academy Live will help students “familiarise” themselves with industry standards Gloucestershire College is proud to be part of this initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between education and industry. Gloucestershire College Lecturer in Motor Vehicle, Robert Papps, is thrilled at the prospect of students receiving information first-hand from OEMs for the first time. He said: “Gloucestershire College is excited to be involved in OESAA Academy Live, as it gives both our students and staff the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest, industry-standard products the group has to offer. “For many of our students, this will be the first time they hear key information directly from a manufacturer, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and hear first-hand from those already in the trade.” Robert also focused on the real-world experience and guidance students and apprentices will observe and absorb. He added: “By attending this event, our students will gain vital experience. It will prepare them for the working world and equip them with crucial skills for when they start their time in the industry.” The event will feature a series of informative presentations, dynamic demonstrations, and engaging seminars. These are all designed to showcase the latest products and technologies, best practice techniques, and potential career pathways within the automotive sector. This direct interaction with OESAA members, OEM representatives, provides students with a unique perspective on the industry and its future. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, emphasised the continued importance of these events. He said: “OESAA Academy Live has garnered positive feedback from both students and tutors. Our curriculum, organisation, and passion have resonated well. We are confident that our members will once again deliver valuable content to learners at all levels. “These events are crucial; giving back to the grassroots of the industry is essential and demonstrates to everyone involved that the sector is dynamic, inclusive, and profitable.
The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association is pleased to announce three new locations and dates for its successful OESAA Academy Live college roadshow. Following triumphs at Trafford College, Suffolk New College and HEAT (Hybrid Electric Automotive Training) at Blackburn College – where hundreds of students and apprentices got a front-row seat as to how OEMs are shaping the sector, what technologies, challenges and innovations are likely to shape the industry, and what successful careers they could forge in the future – OESAA Academy Live will return after the summer break with events at Gloucestershire College , Exeter College and Fareham College . OESAA’s members will visit Gloucestershire and Exeter on back-to-back dates of Wednesday 16 th and Thursday 17 th October respectively, while Fareham will host the final event of the year on Thursday 14 th November. Informative presentations of the latest products and technologies, dynamic demonstrations of best practice and diagnosis techniques and engaging seminars that illustrate potential career pathways will be on the agenda once more. Participating OESAA members will be revealed in due course; however, all are united in their quest to prepare students and apprentices the best they can, as they embark on a livelihood in the automotive arena. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, said: “OESAA Academy Live has been well-received by both students and tutors. Our approach – curriculum, structure and enthusiasm – have hit the mark, so we’re confident our members will be able to provide valuable content to learners of all levels once again. “These events are extremely important; being able to give something back to the grassroots of the industry is vital and illustrates to all involved that the sector is vibrant, welcoming and profitable.”