Modesta strengthens UK presence with technical sales advisor Paul Costello

After years of fruitful collaborations with several clients in the United Kingdom, as well as an ongoing partnership with Extraction Solutions, Dutch dust extraction specialist Modesta decided to take their presence in the UK to the next level. Let’s meet Paul Costello, Modesta’s new UK-based technical sales advisor.

Modesta knows a thing or two about dust extraction: the Dutch manufacturer has been designing, building, and maintaining dust extraction filters for over 75 years. The family-owned business offers modular installations with high efficiency and low operational costs. Building all their systems in-house in the Netherlands, they have an international client base in the wood, agriculture, and recycling sectors. The UK has always been an important market for the Dutch company and with this new hire, Modesta is planning to further develop their presence in the UK and Ireland, particularly within the woodworking, furniture, and panel manufacturing sectors.

Relying on over thirty years of experience and an extensive local and international network, Paul Costello will expand Modesta’s footprint and strengthen its long-term partnerships. His work involves coordinating the installation of new projects with Extraction Solutions, Modesta’s dedicated partner in the UK, as well as liaising with Modesta’s technical teams in the Netherlands, and consulting directly with manufacturers. ‘There’s enormous potential in the market,’ says Paul. ‘Manufacturers are looking for smarter, more sustainable systems — and Modesta is ideally positioned to meet that demand.’

Paul never planned to work in dust extraction, he says, but after completing a government training course in engineering in the early eighties, he ended up at a highly specialised company focusing on dust extraction solutions. ‘Before that, I hadn’t even heard of dust extraction, but once I started that job, I found the work fascinating, as it combined precision, problem-solving, and hands-on craftsmanship,’ says Paul. Starting out as a sheet metal fabrication trainee, he had almost every blue-collar role imaginable, working in assembly, service, installation, and even a short spell in the painting department. ‘During those years, I developed a comprehensive understanding of how extraction systems are designed, built, and maintained,’ he explains.

When his employer asked him to switch to a white-collar role, he took on production, purchasing, and sales management roles. ‘It was quite a turning point,’ he recalls. ‘Instead of just focusing on production, I was now responsible for communication with customers, suppliers, and project coordination. For instance, I set up new facilities and oversaw maintenance.’ Adding on to the hands-on experience of building systems, he now also had a better understanding of how engineering, logistics, and customer service intertwine.

Throughout the years, Paul worked with several European manufacturers, gaining insight into international markets. He was also employed by a market-leading manufacturer of wood-shredding and material-handling systems for 13 years, building a strong network in the wood and biomass industries. ‘During those years, I truly saw how essential effective dust extraction is to the entire production process. You can have the best machinery in the world, but if your air systems aren’t right, you compromise plant performance and reliability, not to mention health and safety.’

Paul first heard about Modesta through their technical sales advisor in the UK, Extraction Solutions. Thanks to a long-standing working relationship and friendship with Neil Parkes, Nick Wright, and, more recently, James Parkes, Paul was introduced to the Dutch dust extraction specialist. ‘Their systems impressed me immediately: technically strong, intelligently designed, and very efficient,’ he shares. He also noted Modesta’s flat hierarchy and pleasant company culture. ‘From my first meetings with Wyboud and Jan, I noticed Modesta was a company built on openness, respect, and technical integrity. That’s why I decided to join Modesta’s team and help expand their footprint in the UK.’

From his home base in Leeds, where he resides with his wife Vanessa and ever-returning grown-up children Tom and Katie, Paul will travel extensively to maintain relationships with partners and clients. He’ll work closely together with Extraction Solutions, who will continue to support Modesta with local installation and maintenance. With their services, Paul’s network, and Modesta’s know-how, they will continue to offer state-of-the-art solutions throughout the UK and Ireland. ‘We don’t just supply filters,’ says Paul. ‘We provide complete engineered solutions that carry the Modesta standard.’

Contact Paul Costello
Call +44 113 868 0247
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