164 My Life with Western States Machine Company by Graham Vidler It all started on 20th January 1964, the day I started my work with A Sargeant and Co, Brisbane. There was a large number of 48"x30" batch centrifugals being assembled in the fitting shop, my recollection of the strange pieces of machinery is still very clear today, little did I know then that this machinery would be my life. The vast range of activities carried out by Sargeant's provided a sound engineering knowledge base for me. Marine maintenance to Lloyds' survey standards, site installations various industries including the sugar industry, full machine shop, fitting and welding activities to name a few. I was promoted to the Drawing Office and worked as a Design Draftsman then to the position of controller of local manufacture for Western States (Roberts) Centrifuges in Australia. Working under the watchful eye of the Companies Chief Engineer, I had a free hand in all aspects of manufacturing centrifuges. Several years later I was promoted to the Manager of the Western States operation within Sargeant's in Australia. Mean while studying at night college for a degree in Sales and Marketing including Accounting and Business Law. My early sales days were a little rough but I quickly came of age with the first visit to Western States in Hamilton in 1978. It was during that six-week time that I became good friends with most people at Western States. My many hours with the late James Fenske, International Sales Manager for CHAPTER 13 right: Graham Vidler