A Day in the Life: Richard Mumford, Sales Director at KraussMaffei Group UK

As Sales Director at KraussMaffei Group UK, Richard Mumford brings over 30 years of plastics industry experience to the role, combining deep technical knowledge with long-standing customer relationships. Having joined KraussMaffei in 1992, Richard has grown with the company, helping to shape its position as a complete machinery solutions provider for injection moulding, extrusion, and reaction process technologies.

With a strong background as a moulding technician, Richard brings a grounded, practical perspective to every conversation, making him a trusted figure within the business and for customers alike. We caught up with him to find out more about his background, day-to-day work, and what’s next for the UK sales team.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m responsible for all sales of new machinery across the UK and Ireland, covering injection moulding, extrusion, and reaction process machinery. What’s great about KraussMaffei is that we offer the full range under one roof, so we can support our customers with complete solutions, whatever their application.

I joined the company back in 1992 as a Southern Sales Engineer and worked my way up through the roles of Sales Manager and now Sales Director. It’s been a great journey.

Before starting in sales, you worked as a moulding technician. Do you think that was an important foundation for your career?

Yes, absolutely – I started out at Blundell Harling, an in-house moulding company on the south coast. I was lucky to have a great boss, Mike Brown, who came from a toolmaking background and helped me learn the ropes of injection moulding through hands-on training and education.

I attended several training centres, completed courses in both moulding and tooling, and those early experiences gave me a strong technical base. When it came time to move into sales, I already understood the challenges our customers face, and I think it makes a big difference when you can talk their language.

Since first joining KraussMaffei UK, what have been the most significant changes in the moulding industry and at KraussMaffei itself?

The industry has changed a lot. Back in the early ’90s, the customer base was much broader – there were simply more moulding companies around. As numbers declined, we had to adapt quickly, and I think we’ve managed that really well.

Another big shift is how customers view us. We’re no longer just a machine supplier – they see us as a technical partner. Expectations are higher, and rightly so. Customers want full solutions, technical input, and support beyond the sale.

On top of that, the industry is now under pressure to justify its environmental impact. Plastics still play a huge role in modern life, but we need to keep promoting the innovation and sustainability behind what we do.

How have you helped to steer KraussMaffei UK to meet these challenges and opportunities?

We’ve always listened closely to our customers and adapted where needed. That’s been the focus for my team; we look at what our customers are asking for and make sure we can deliver the right solution.

KraussMaffei is also unique in that we have all three technology areas in-house: injection moulding, extrusion, and reaction process machinery. That gives us the flexibility to meet a wide range of challenges, and we’re known for pushing new technologies like ColorForm and FiberForm.

What types of customers do you typically engage with?

We work across all industries, from automotive to aerospace and beyond. There are no limits to where we can sell, because our technology covers such a broad range of applications. That makes every day different, which I really enjoy.

What does an average day look like for you?

My focus is always on our customers. They’re the foundation of the business, and without them, we wouldn’t be here.

We’ve got a fantastic team across the UK and Ireland, and we’re in daily contact, making sure we’re supporting customer needs, following up on opportunities, and delivering the best service we can.

With all the travelling you do, do you have a favourite UK service station to stop at?

If I had to pick, I’d say Gloucester Services or Tebay. They’re a bit different to the usual, and it’s nice to stop somewhere that’s got a bit of character.

What makes your role as Sales Director critical to KraussMaffei UK’s success?

I think consistency matters. Customers like to deal with someone who knows the industry and has seen a wide range of projects. Over the years, I’ve been involved in a huge number of machine sales, and that experience helps build trust and long-term partnerships.

Can you share a project or customer win that stands out in your career?

There have been many, but due to NDAs, I can’t go into too much detail. What I can say is we’ve supported projects that involved entire new factories and full-scale machinery installations. I’m genuinely grateful to all the customers who’ve placed their trust in KraussMaffei over the years.

What’s the best thing about working for KraussMaffei UK?

It’s the people. It really feels like a big family here, and let’s be honest, we probably spend more time with each other than we do with our partners at home!

Right now, I believe we’ve got the strongest sales team we’ve ever had in the UK and Ireland. Our after-sales team is also delivering first-class service daily. That gives me a lot of confidence in where we’re headed.

What projects have you got coming up in the next few months?

While I can’t go into detail, I can say we’ve got exciting work across all divisions. And with the K Show this week, it’s a great opportunity to see what’s next from KraussMaffei. All I’ll say is, visit us. You won’t be disappointed!

Read more news from KraussMaffei here.

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