Mark Helmich

Mark has over 30 years’ experience of engineering having worked in a number of disciplines during his career. Classically trained as a mechanical engineer having completed a four year apprenticeship, he then spent the next 14 years working within further education lecturing on computer aided engineering and product visualisation. This led on to a career with GX where he has been for the past 24 years.

During a company restructuring in 2007 Mark was the natural choice to take over as managing director and assume responsibility for the overall business management of the three divisions of GX; their product design, the control system development and GX Environmental. 

Mark’s procedural knowledge of engineering gained through his previous positions ensures that GX adopts a holistic approach to all projects, cross pollinating knowledge and information gained from working in one area for another project. He is a firm believer in sharing best practice and involving designers from different disciplines on new projects to aid the transfer of ideas. Upon meeting a new client, Mark heavily relies on his background in product visualisation to appreciate and understand how GX can take their idea and turn it into a commercial reality. 

Recently Mark’s dedication and understanding of design was recognised by the British Industrial Design Association who appointed him as the Regional Director and Chairman for Wales and the West. BIDA was set up in 1993 as a not-for-profit organisation to promote professional excellence in industrial design.

When not immersed in the world of product development Mark can be found on a golf course perfecting his swing. A keen golfer he currently plays off 20 (honest!) 

Mark’s golfing hero is Gary Player although despite his golfing prowess it is more for his wisdom – when asked what you should do in a thunderstorm Gary replied ‘I always take out my two iron’ he replied, seeing the very puzzled look on the interviewers face he concluded – ‘even God can’t hit a two iron’.

Mark’s other passion is cooking, each Christmas he enjoys planning and preparing an extensive menu for over 10 guests, which he says he now has ‘off to a tee!’ The last working day before Christmas has become a traditional Mince Pie and bubbles day at GX.