Welcome to our Meet the Team series!
Today we head to Grangemouth, Scotland – the Group’s Warranty & Service office and home to colleagues supporting technical services, warranty, parts and data analysis across the business.
From helping engineers resolve technical issues to following up warranty claims, the commercial side of service, work on behalf of manufacturers, and more, the team brings together skills that support colleagues and customers across West and Central Africa!
A MILESTONE FOR THE SCOTLAND TEAM
On Tuesday 18 March 2025, Paterson Simons celebrated the official opening of its new Grangemouth office. The occasion coincided with a company board meeting and included a traditional bagpipe performance, with Group Technical Director James Savoy cutting the ribbon. The opening marked an important milestone in the continued development of the Scotland team, bringing its technical, warranty and data expertise together in the new office. See video here
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SUPPORT
James Savoy — Group Technical Director
James is a member of the Board of Directors and oversees the Group’s technical services, with all service teams reporting to him. His work covers customer support, internal and external training, mentoring, systems development and close liaison with the equipment manufacturers we represent. James is responsible for total ownership of Service.
Kamel Ali — Group Service & Port Key Account Manager
Kamel joined Paterson Simons in June 2023, bringing a decade of experience as Konecranes’ Product Support Manager for the Middle East and North Africa. Based in Grangemouth, he works closely with James to develop port services and support training across the Group. His work has included developing remote diagnostic capabilities, strengthening technical skills through online and face-to-face training. He also speaks French and Arabic – valuable skills when supporting customers and colleagues across different markets.
Brendon Goldswain – Technical Service Manager
Brendon brings experience from both the field and the technical parts side of the business. Previously based in Apapa, Nigeria, as Service Manager covering port operations, he relocated to Grangemouth to join the Scotland team- quickly moving over to Field Service. Brendon has been instrumental in owning warranty into a business unit whilst supporting service and service offers and service processes. He is our internal Mr Kempower!
Blanca Martin Garcia – Plant & Commissioning Co-ordinator
Based in Spain, Blanca has been at PSAL for 12 years, and one month! Blanca is in charge of coordinating the pre-delivery and handover of new and used equipment across the PSAL Group. Coordinating internal and external training for Service. Blanca spent 2016 in Takoradi, Ghana and about 2 years in Dakar, Senegal 2021 & 2024-25! Although Senegal was not for PSAL, Blanca kindly visited some customers at the Port.
Renee Stronach – Service & Travel Co-ordinator
Based in Cape Town, Renee has been with Paterson Simons for 11 Years! As Service & Travel Co-Ordinator, Renee’s role involves: General administration assisting the Service Team, preparing service offers, and assuring smooth and safe travel arrangements to West and Central Africa for related Service Jobs.
Kim Savoy – Warranty, PPE & Compliance Administrator
Kim rejoined Paterson Simons in June 2024, returning to the Scotland office as Warranty Administrator. Her role requires attention to detail, knowledge of the Group’s products and services, and thorough follow-up with colleagues and manufacturers – helping keep warranty procedures moving forward.
Deborah Johnston – Administrative Clerk
A warm welcome to Deborah who has recently joined us as an Administrative Clerk in the Grangemouth office! Deborah’s role will include coordinating departmental tasks, maintaining records and data within our systems, supporting service management with scheduling and administration, and helping ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the department.
FOLLOWING WARRANTY CLAIMS THROUGH
Warranty work involves much more than submitting a form. From gathering field service reports and checking their accuracy to submitting claims and invoices, liaising with manufacturers and following up on reimbursement, each stage requires careful coordination and persistence.
One of the biggest challenges is establishing exactly what a warranty claim covers. This means reviewing technical information, clarifying details with colleagues and customers, and working through any differences of opinion with the manufacturer. Where the team believes a customer’s claim is justified, they may need to advocate on the customer’s behalf, making both the technical and commercial case for reimbursement.
Resolving these questions can involve considerable back and forth. The Grangemouth team works closely with colleagues in Ghana, Nigeria and Togo, alongside the Brighton office, to gather the evidence needed and keep claims moving.
Whether resolving a parts query, following up a warranty claim or using machine data to support a service decision, the team connects people, information and technical expertise across the PSAL Group!