David Fox
David Fox is our current General Manager, his blended practical and academic background fits well with the current needs of the business as it navigates a shifting technology, social and business landscape. David’s manufacturing journey commenced as an apprentice fitter machinist in 1988. This learning by doing vocational pathway developed a thirst for knowledge, later completing of a Certificate and Associate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering and a Masters by Research. His appreciation for the metal trades was nurtured through his own trade and project engineering experiences as each position he approach across the western Sydney SME landscape has developed an inherent understanding of this particular business environment and its people. The choice to join the LA Services family was an easy one for David, an opportunity to combine trade knowledge with engineering theories in a traditional manufacturing environment. David’s role today spans a wide variety of business related activities from strategy and business development, to HR, finances and marketing through to leading our R&D push towards digital. His role and presence is fundamental to LA Services as he bolsters the very drive that differentiates us from our competitors – establishing an innovative purpose and generating genuine change to better society.
Aside from his passion for work, David likes to relax by spending time with his family and embracing the warm weathers of the Summer. However, his drive to learn is never too far behind, as he also likes to immerse himself in world topics, ranging from economics to sustainability. This inquisitive nature is shaping future career aspirations as he hopes to return to university to research the changing nature of work as I4.0 becomes more prevalent in the manufacturing sector. He wants to be the pioneer that helps transform LA Services into an advanced manufacturer that succeeds in global defence as well as delivering workplace equity. He believes that manufacturing has the potential to achieve anything it sets its mind to, and LA Services can be at the forefront of a reimagined industry by blending its traditional craft with advanced technologies to deliver smart industrial equipment and the jobs that will underpin future energy systems so vital to our way of life.
David Fox is one of our most valuable mentors and teachers of LA Services as he goes above and beyond in creating a new history for our family. He is the bridge between a conservative industry and modern innovation as he connects with countless students to impart his years of experience in the manufacturing field. His work has extended to not only secondary students but also participates in Western Sydney University Launch Pad’s pilot I4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Network sharing lessons in transforming manufacturing across the technical and social spectrum.
Creating a close bond through mentoring is a great way to understand the perceptions and needs of our students in order to create a deeply engaging work environment . And in turn, we change these perceptions accordingly.