Donghua Team

Donghua Limited prides itself on employing staff with extensive experience and knowledge of the chain industry. Below are profiles of our UK management and sales team.

Bob Wellsbury, Managing Director

With a history of working in the chain sector that spans over 40 years, Bob leads the UK operation of Donghua. His specialist knowledge lies in agricultural chains, leaf chains and special chains plus CAD design and he possesses an immense product knowledge.

Bob previously worked for Iwis Drive Systems Ltd and Flexon before setting up Donghua in the UK in 2009. He enjoys being part of a true global chain manufacturer and is delivering on his aspirations to bring chain manufacturing back to the UK.

In his spare time Bob can be found scuba diving, windsurfing or riding one of his motorcycles.


Lesley Abbey, Financial Controller & Company Secretary

Lesley has been working for over 25 years in the chain sector, previously for Iwis Drive Systems Ltd and Flexon Ltd following 10 years in the transportation sector working at Ellis Fellows Transport and Adam Jones Transport.

Lesley has been involved with Donghua since the company was established in 2009 and loves being part of a growing team. In her current role she is responsible for all the company finances and runs a tight ship.

Lesley relaxes by spending time with her friends and family, reading, walking and going to the cinema.


Brett Southall, Sales Director

Brett heads up client relations and sales management across the UK for Donghua. Donghua’s decision to market their own brand globally is one of the most exciting developments Brett has seen in the roller chain industry, and he has been involved in the UK operation since it was established in 2009.

Brett has a strong engineering background working for Rolls Royce Industrial Power Group and Heller Machine Tools. He entered the chain industry in 2004 working for Iwis Drive Systems before joining Donghua.

In his spare time, Brett is interested in motorcar and motorcycle renovation, ten pin bowling, eating out, music and DIY.


Mark Lilliston, Northern Area Sales Manager

Mark has worked in the bearing and power transmission sector for 30+ years which includes 20 years in the chain sector. Having worked for numerous chain manufacturers and distributors, Mark has particularly strong product knowledge of roller chain supported by a broad knowledge and experience in all aspects of the bearing and power transmission industry.

His communication skills and ease in building relationships has earnt him a key role in the UK operation of Donghua. Mark is responsible for client account management and sales activities across the northern area of the UK.

Mark relaxes by playing active sports such as Golf, Snooker and Football.


Daniel Wellsbury, Warehouse Manager

Daniel manages the 25,000 square foot warehouse at Donghua’s distribution centre in the West Midlands. He is responsible for warehouse and distribution logistics which includes stock management and distribution of chain, sprockets and accessories to the growing network of suppliers throughout the UK.

He has 15+ years knowledge of the chain sector and previously worked at Iwis Drive Systems Ltd.

Daniel uses his extensive knowledge of IT to compose music within his home studio environment and is very much a family-man.


Claire Nuttall, Sales Office Manager

Claire joined Donghua in 2013 as a sales office administrator and since then has been promoted to Sales Office Supervisor and is now Sales Office Manager. She manages the office-based sales support team.

She is responsible for ensuring the smooth day to day running of the office, inputting sales orders and managing customer enquiries. Claire has demonstrated excellent customer service skills and developed an extensive product knowledge, enabling her to support customer enquiries and orders.

When not at work Claire enjoys going to the cinema and socialising with friends.


Chelsea Butler

Chelsea Butler, Sales Office Supervisor

Chelsea joined Donghua in 2021. She is experienced in sales support having previously worked in the steel industry.

Chelsea supports our sales managers and busy sales office responding to customer sales enquiries, processing orders, and ensuring our customers are kept informed of the status of their orders.


Caron Jones, Sales Office Assistant

Caron joined Donghua in 2018. She supports the sales managers and office-based sales team responding to customer sales enquiries, inputting sales orders, liaising with despatch team, ensuring orders are completed and keeping customers informed of progress.

Caron enjoys looking after her two grandchildren, spending time with family, dog walking and reading.