Inside Support Staff

ADRIENNE WEBSTER

Purchasing/Inventory Control

Adrienne has the sometimes tedious task of managing our inventory system making sure that inventory levels are correct and up to date. Also, she manages our purchasing system making sure our suppliers ship their goods on time at the correct cost.

Adrienne’s background is in commercial work apparel business; so if you ever wonder where we got our nice Unirope shirts and jackets, here is the answer.

VANIA TSE

Marketing/Internal ISO Auditor

Vania coordinates all of our marketing activities, which includes setting up “Rigger’s Mortis” training seminars. She is the background force behind our outside Rigging Consultants and makes sure everyone has the most up-to-date technical and commercial product information on hand. Her other task is to implement and monitor our ISO 9001 Quality System in all departments in all branches.

Originally from Hong Kong, Vania graduated from the University of Toronto and now calls Mississauga home.

CECIL DAMASO

Field ID Software- and IT Support

Cecil’s role is to support our extensive Unirope field ID database users and as such is the information resource for customers’ questions and inquiries of how use our Field ID Database system. She also manages all of the electronic information exchanges with our JIT manufacturing customers on forecasts and horizon events. Cecil immigrated from Manila, Philippines and brings with her a BSc in Business Administration with a Major in Management.

Cecil adds to the diversity of our mix of employees and represents the new Canadian generation of business professionals. She has great interest in music, theatre and arts.

HEATHER CRAIG

Synthetic Web Slings Quality Control Inspector

After being responsible for our logistics and shipping management Heather now manages our Synthetic Web Sling Shop.

Besides this task she is also a Quality Inspector for selected business partners in all other production departments.

Her first job at Unirope was to answer the phone and enter all sales orders into our business system. Very quickly she became familiar with the products and became interested what they actually are. Heather is a curious person which led her to excel and to complete our “Rigger’s Mortis” Training Program.

Heather’s challenge at home is that she has a puppy that thinks he can fly which does not always fit her passion to browse her extensive mysteries book collection.

MARISA LEGOVICH

Finance Support

Marisa started at Unirope as “background” staff who made sure that your orders and invoices were properly processed. Today, Marisa is responsible for all customer trade accounts ensuring accurate and timely updates. Marisa also became the assistant of our Director, Thomas Critelli.

Marisa is married to Gerry and has two young daughters named Emma and Alanna who keep her super busy; but she loves it (most days). She daydreams about photography, gardening, cycling and travelling. In fact, you could put her on a plane and point it in any direction and she wouldn’t complain one iota about its destination.

KUKI PATEL

Inventory and Material Management

Kuki is responsible for our Inventory and Products Controll Management. Her task is to ensure we have right raw materials at the right place at the right time in the correct quality and quantity. Sounds complicated ? Yes, it is. And sometimes a harrowing task because we serve our customers on a day-to-day basis but inventory replacement is measured in months ahead. Kuki has a retail background where she managed an Inventory Control team for a larger number of outlet stores Canada wide.

She grew up in Edmonton and holds a B/A from the University of Alberta. Her passions include international travel and adventure, with her two children being her favorite travel companions.

GAITHRE PERSAUD

Customer Support

Gaithre is the “background” staff who makes sure that your orders, and most importantly, your invoices are properly processed. Plus, of course, if you call us there is a great chance that Gaithre is the first person you actually talk to. Other duties include supporting our outside sales staff and being a communication interface between our customers and the “rest” of us.

Gaithre and her husband enjoy the summer activities.

JUSTIN BROWN

President, Product Manager Wire Rope

As of April 2020 Justin was appointed as President of Unirope Limited. Justin will continue to resume his role as Unirope’s product manager and technical advisor for wire rope. Justin has worked with both manufacturers and end users alike to improve the lifetime of their wire rope systems and troubleshoot potential and existing problems. He has performed countless failure investigations and is no stranger to the spectacular views from the top of a tower crane.

Justin’s greatest strengths are his creativity, drive and leadership. He thrives on challenges; particularly those that help expand critical knowledge in the industry. He has been called upon by various trade organizations and local regulators to help further their own efforts in bringing key knowledge to their stakeholders.

Justin currently serves as a director of the Associated Wire Rope Fabricators, Vice Chair of the AWRF Test Methods Sub-Committee and is a long-time member of the International Organization for the Study of Ropes.

Justin and his wife Geraldine love to golf, travel and entertain whenever possible.

RYAN ARTHUR

Mechanical Engineer

Ryan is responsible for overseeing all engineering related activities at Unirope Ltd. With a Mechanical Engineering degree from Ryerson University, Ryan’s job is to design, analyze and contribute to the continuous improvement of the manufacturing process. He has a background in machining.

In his spare time, Ryan enjoys playing soccer, playing guitar and hanging out with friends.

GORD EDWARDSON

Plant Production Manager

Gord has learned this industry from the “ground up”. After having worked in the construction industry he became a splicer and rigger fabrication wire rope slings and products made from wire rope. Well, he must have done something right as he first became the supervisor and then the shop foreman. Because of his extensive knowledge of the ‘details’ in our industry he is also our Service Manager for all rigging- and sling related repairs and re-certifications. Gord coordinates between our Field Inspection Group and our inside inspection and proof testing department. Gord is one of the first Canadians who was certified by the NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) as a certified rigging professional (Certification #100756727).

Gord (married with 2 children) is an outdoor enthusiast and goes camping at every opportunity he has. On the other side, he and his wife like to visit Las Vegas, mainly because of its beauty and relaxing atmosphere.

THOMAS MICHNO

Customer Service

Thomas is a 100% “homegrown” staff member by Unirope. Back in 2004 he joined us as a splicer in the wire rope sling fabrication department where he got training in all aspects of wire rope sling production methods. He then moved to our Shipping/Receiving department where he was instrumental in introducing and setting up of our automated computerized shipping tag printing. To this day he is our resident “label expert”.

In 2009 he took the plunge and accepted our promotion to join us as a staff member in the inside sales Department. His rich experience and practical knowledge he gained on the ‘shopfloor’ is a great asset for our customers who need some real practical product advice. So, it comes to no surprise that Thomas is accredited by the NCCCO [National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators] as a “Certified Rigger”; Certification #111169395.

In his spare time he rides mountain bikes until the “frame gives way”.

JAMES MICALLEF

Customer Service and IT Manager

James is one of our “homegrown” rigging specialists who started in our Mississauga shipping department and moved up into an inside sales consultancy role. As many of us wear multiple hats all the time James is no exception as he also looks after our IT requirements and polishes and adjusts all of our electronic communication stuff.

But he also became an NCCCO Certified Rigger to make sure our customers get the best advice and service possible (Certification #111169396). James comes from the island of Malta and holds a degree in Computer Science.

In his pastime he likes to travel, play the odd video game, watch movies and keep up with the latest tech trends.

KYLE WRIGGLESWORTH

Customer Service

Kyle came from the shipping and inventory logistics department from the fastener industry and he joined our shipping department and sales shop in 2018.

He gained his position as customer service representative in the inside sales department in January 2019 by displaying his outstanding manner in providing a timely, attentive, upbeat service to our customers in our shop.

In his spare time he likes cycling, motorbiking and camping. In the past he was also involved in some professional computer gaming.

SCOTT FLEMING

DIRECTOR and Sales/Rigging Training Manager

Scott’s mission is to train all of us to become a true “Rigging Professional”, regardless if we want it or not ! Just kidd’n . Scott has developed the original “Rigger’s Mortis” Rigging Training Program to comply with our Canadian Standards and Health and Safety Regulations.

You will be surprised to learn how much you did NOT know about rigging and rigging products. Scott is also available to consult with our customers on specific rigging solutions or to develop special rigging procedures to meet customers specific manufacturing environment. Scott is one of the first Canadians who was certified by the NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) as a certified rigging professional (Certification #100756730). Scott is the current President of the ACRP, Association of Crane and Rigging Professionals (http://www.acrp.net/). He also serves on the WSDTA (Web Sling & Tie Down Association) Board of Directors as well as on their Technical Committee.

He is married to Trudy, lives in Milton, and collects and restores Pin Ball machines. However, he is also a member of the “UR-MCC” that is our Unirope Motorcycle Club.

THOMAS CRITELLI

DIRECTOR and CFO/Administration and HR

Thomas is responsible for all aspects of the finances of Unirope Limited. He is the guy who watches over the “cookie jar” so that no one is caught with their fingers in it. As a Director of Unirope he is part of our Management Team and as such is actively involved in all aspects of our corporate decision process.

Thomas, his wife Lisette and daughter Rylee live in Toronto. If time permits Thomas likes to play hockey.

KNUT BUSCHMANN

Engineered Product Development

A native from Germany, Knut joined Unirope in 1989. His educational background includes commercial banking and mechanical engineering, a combination he sometimes jokes about. Knut is associated with the wire rope- and rigging industry for over 40 years now; much of that time he was involved with marine rigging and heavy lift cargo gear.

He is a member of the Cordage Institute’s Board of Directors and their Technical Committee, the AWRF Technical Committee, the AISE, the MTS – Marine Technology Society, served on CSA and OHSA Standards Committees, is Past President of the AWRF (Associated Wire Rope Fabricators) and is a member of the Management Board of the European Scientific Organization OIPEEC (International Organization for the Study of the Endurance of Rope). Aside from that he is also the chairman of the AWRF Sub-Committee “Testing Procedures” which develops “Recommended Practices and Guidelines” for our industry. As of 2011 he also holds a seat on the ASME B30.30 Committee, which is responsible for the development of a Safety Standard for Wire- and Fiber ropes.

Since 1991 Knut was Unirope’s President/General Manager and as of April 2020 his role changed to engineering support and marketing content development allowing him more time to spend with his wife Gerda.

RICHARD CHEVRIER

Customer Service

Richard works in our Montreal Branch as an Inside Sales Consultant. He joined us in 2012 and quickly became an integral part of our service team. Richard went through extensive technical and application training, involving wire rope, lifting slings, and rigging hardware. Richard’s mission is to put customer satisfaction and service to a higher level, and he is having great success with that!

Richard is accredited by the NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) as a “Certified Rigger”; Certification #130690459.

In the summer Richard is an avid camper, enjoys the outdoors and in winter loves to play pick-up hockey with the kids.

FAY DEDEYNE

Customer Service

Fay joined the Unirope sales team in late 2018 after having spent 17 years in the automotive industry. She has embraced her rigging skills with helping our customers. She is a very attentive family- oriented person and it shows in her work.

Whenever she has a chance, she will go on a road trip to visit her family in the States or hop on a plane for a new adventure.

JOVANN GOSSELIN

Customer Service

Proud employee since April 2019, Jovann has become a team member of our Inside Service group in Montreal. His expertise in different levels of customer service will make sure that our clients have the best experience and exchange possible with Unirope.

Jovann has been practicing classical piano and pop guitar for over 10 years. In his spare time, if he is not spending time with his lovely wife Philly, Jovann can teach you a lesson or two about video games.

DAVE ESKRA

Western Canada Sales Manager

Dave has been with Unirope for more than two decades. His background is that of an application specialist for wire rope and slings but also for all of our synthetic product lines. Dave grew up in Saskatchewan, started in this industry in 1977, later worked for Wrights Canadian Ropes, before moving to Ontario in 1990.

Dave is our Key Account Manager for the construction, heavy equipment and mining industry In Western Canada and manages our Edmonton Branch.

Dave lives in Edmonton and is accredited by the NCCCO [National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators] as a “Certified Rigger”; Certification #100756729.

STEVEN WOLOSHYN

Customer Service & Production Manager

Steven has been with Unirope since 2012. He started in our rigging shop and quickly progressed to became shop foreman. He is now using everything he’s learned along the way to advise our Alberta customers as well as head up production.

Steven loves anything to do with being outdoors, especially biking and hiking. Outside of that he spends lots of time with his two loving dogs (a husky and a border collie).