Eric Pratt began his career at Darchem Engineering in August 1982, starting with a four-year apprenticeship in sheet metal work. From those early days on the shop floor, Eric quickly established himself as a skilled and reliable team member, contributing significantly to a wide range of projects throughout the business.
For the first 25 years of his career, Eric worked in the mixer cell, honing his craft and playing a key role in Darchem’s manufacturing operations. In 2012, after experiencing a serious heart condition, Eric took time off to recover. Upon returning, he moved into a light-duty role in the aerospace department, where he transitioned into an engineering support position.
Between 2012 and 2020, Eric’s focus shifted to creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for major aerospace clients including Rolls-Royce, MTU, Airbus, and Spirit AeroSystems. His attention to detail and deep product knowledge made him a vital link between engineering processes and operational execution.
Darchem has provided a living for me and my family. I’m proud of the work I’ve done and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.
When that role came to a close in 2020, Eric briefly returned to the shop floor in aerospace before moving on to the DPD cell, working on Sellafield boxes. Following the completion of that work, he joined the Marine division, where he continues to contribute today.
In 2021, Eric was elected Unite shop steward, a role that has enabled him to build stronger relationships between the workforce and management. His collaborative approach has helped improve the working environment and ensure that employee voices are heard and respected.
Beyond his professional contributions, Eric’s connection to Darchem is deeply personal. In 1987, he met his late wife—who also worked at the company—marking the beginning of a family journey rooted in the Darchem community. He reflects on his time with gratitude, saying: