Pete Newstead joined Wyma in 2001 as a Design Engineer and has contributed to many projects. Now, as Senior Design Engineer, he relishes his role's holistic engagement, from initial rough draft through finished product – and beyond. "I love the hands-on feel of the entire process of creating things," Pete said. "It's also exciting to hear customer feedback about how their equipment performs."
Engineering runs in Pete's family. His grandfather lectured at the very university Pete later attended, and Pete now appreciates opportunities to mentor others. "I'm involved in the initial creation phase and then move into a more supportive role," he noted. "Mentoring is liberating. Everyone has different needs, whether they’re new to the industry or new to Wyma."
One of the proudest moments of Pete's career arrived when he was assigned the complete redesign of an existing Wyma product that included a lift roll sizer and a chain system with a series of rollers used mainly for carrots and potatoes. Despite improvements, the team wanted an even-better outcome – and Pete's redesign delivered. Not only did he solve the immediate challenges, but his design remains in use today with no significant changes.
Pete appreciates his Wyma colleagues as much as his work. "Everyone is dedicated and puts in an effective team effort," he said. "We're all truly engaged in our projects. It’s accepting and collaborative, with a healthy work/life balance that keeps things sustainable."
