This month we caught up with Darcy Stapleton, Alfex CNC Australia Service Engineer. Darcy started with Alfex CNC Australia back in 2011 and has been factory trained in the US and the UK. Whilst based in Melbourne, Darcy travels all over Australia to service both CNC machine tools and laser machines. Well known and very well-liked by our customers, Darcy is a fix-it whiz and an integral part of our team.
How long have you been at Alfex CNC Australia? Coming up to 8 years now.
How would you describe Alfex in 3 words? Fun, friendly and intuitive.
What has surprised you most about working at Alfex? How friendly everyone is! We are such a family oriented team. Everyone helps where needed, regardless if its their job or not. We get a lot of support, I’m very grateful to George, Maryanne (Alfex CNC Australia), Jordan and Christian. We really have an amazing bunch of co-workers!
What has been your favourite project at Alfex? I absolutely loved my trip to the US with Haydn (QLD Sales) at Haas Automation and also trip to the Lotus Laser in UK with Christian (Business Development Manager) My favourite project would be the recent one we did earlier this month – installing the new Kern LaserCELL at Melbourne University. It is brand new technology and I got the opportunity to work with the Kern guys from the US. The staff at Melbourne Uni were really friendly, which made it a really enjoyable job. There were parts that were challenging – like getting the machine into its final position – but it was awesome working it out and very satisfying once it was all installed.
What do you wish other people knew about Alfex or the laser industry? I wish more people knew just how highly skilled the team is. That is what sets us apart from other companies. Customers and even our suppliers are always commenting on how advanced our knowledge of laser-based technologies and machinery really is. Alfex is always looking for new and innovative ways to get components manufactured or laser cut. Laser cutters deliver excellent precision laser beam cutting/engraving technology that makes them such a hit in various industries and among DIY lovers
Before working at Alfex, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had? I installed an underwater turbine at San Remo which to this day still produces clean electricity to the local town – I worked on a barge for 3 months!
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us. I’m into a lot of types of sports and hobbies but my favourite one I love to do wakeboarding any chance I get. I saw it on television once and thought it looked like heaps of fun so I bought a board and taught myself how to wakeboard. And try to get out any chance I get. I’m a real watersports type of person.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Hawaiian pizza.
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery? An aeroplane. Don’t know where I’d go – figure it out once I get it! I like anything to do with being up in the air really that’s why I’m always putting my hand up to travel.
What is the best vacation you’ve been on and why? Best vacation would have to be here in Australia, every summer myself and my partner Angela and a great bunch of mates all head to a quiet town called Yarrawonga, where we go fishing and do all the water sports we can in the time we have.
What tv show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love? Sex and the City the TV series. I’m not 100% ashamed of it but I should be I reckon.
