After 32 years of dedicated service, managing director Bill Aitken has retired from Red Rooster Lifting, marking the end of a significant chapter in the company’s history.
Stepping into the role is Paul Shewan, whose 15-year progression from the workshop floor to managing director reflects both continuity and the company’s long-standing commitment to developing talent from within.
Celebrating Bill’s legacy
Bill joined Red Rooster Lifting in 1993 and quickly became a central figure in shaping the company’s direction, culture, and technical capability. His leadership oversaw decades of steady growth while strengthening the organisation’s reputation for reliability across multiple industry sectors.
Bill played a pivotal role in building Red Rooster Lifting’s end-to-end production capability — integrating design, machining, fabrication, paint, assembly and certification into a single, self-contained operation. This modernisation gave Red Rooster exceptional control over quality and enabled the company to respond quickly to customer requirements — a capability that continues to set the business apart today.
Among Bill’s proudest accomplishments are building a skilled and committed team and fostering strong relationships with customers and international partners. A defining milestone was securing the company’s first major hire contract for Doosan Babcock at Drax Power Station, supplying 20 x 37.5-tonne air hoists and trolleys for a large-scale coal boiler refit. The project helped cement Red Rooster’s technical credibility and remains a highlight of his time as Managing Director.
Bill’s retirement was marked with warm celebrations among colleagues, family, and long-standing partners. A formal dinner included a heartfelt speech from Lena Fraser, Operations Director, commendations from Mr Nauta of Rami Yokota and a traditional sake toast led by Ken Takagi from Toku, a fitting tribute to Bill’s leadership and long-standing commitment to the company.
Introducing the new managing director: Paul Shewan
Stepping into the role is Paul Shewan, who joined Red Rooster Lifting in 2008 at the age of 22 as a Mechanical Fitter. Over the years, Paul has developed broad experience across the business — from hands-on assembly and testing to project management and production leadership.
One of his standout achievements was involvement in the design, manufacture and build of custom 10-tonne pneumatic crane systems for the Culzean project in the North Sea. These bespoke systems incorporated complex engineering calculations, rack-and-pinion drives and enhanced safety features, demonstrating the technical insight and problem-solving approach Paul brings to his new role.
Since becoming Production Director in 2021, Paul has strengthened Red Rooster’s manufacturing capability and supported continued technical development. As Managing Director, he plans to expand the company’s international presence, diversify beyond the UK’s oil and gas sector, and build on its reputation for custom-built lifting equipment and rental lifting solutions.
“The company has a strong foundation — a team of passionate, skilled people,” Paul said. “The quality of our hoists and custom lifting solutions is a direct result of their expertise. My focus is on building on that strength as we take the next steps in the company’s journey.”