Meet Matt Brown, Sales Director who specialises in industrial dust and fume extraction projects
Matt Brown | Published November 5th 2025 | Updated November 5th 2025
In the latest edition of our meet the team series, we’re speaking to one of APS’ longest serving team members, our Sales Director Matt Brown, about his experience working in dust and fume extraction, his proudest achievements, and his hobbies outside of work.
What is your job role at APS, and what are your main responsibilities?
I am the Sales Director, responsible for managing five people across the external sales team and aftermarket team, and supporting our projects. Personally I’m based in York near the main office, but my team are based across the UK – from the North of England, to the Midlands and the South East.
I also work with the Fantastic Media team to increase awareness of APS and our air quality and extraction solutions through marketing and PR.
How many years of experience do you have working within dust and fume extraction?
Giving my age away here! I first started in dust and fume extraction in September 1988, and I have never left the industry – so that’s just over 37 years in total. I started as a Draughtsman on a drawing board (before AutoCAD was a thing) then became a Sales Project Engineer, External Sales Engineer, Sales Manager then Sales Director.
Having that many years of experience has meant that I’ve dealt with various projects, teams, customers and installations. There’s not much that I haven’t come across yet in the world of LEV systems and industrial extraction! This means I’m able to give practical advice and consult in detail with customers about what they require whether it’s designing, installing, or maintaining extraction systems.
I’ve also spent time learning from my peers along the way and I have vast experience of working at some major companies in the industry. We’ve got a brilliant team here at APS and we’re always gaining new knowledge from each other.
What did you do prior to working at APS?
I spent my first 12 years in the industry at Nederman, then five years at Extract Technology, who design and manufacture high containment glove box isolators and downflow booths, primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. I then spent 10 years at Camfil, helping build up the APC dust and fume division in the UK, again specifically in the pharmaceutical industry, before I finally arrived at APS just over 10 years ago.
What’s your proudest career and personal achievement to date?
Helping APS get to where we are today! APS started in the 90s, with the team setting up the business here in Yorkshire. It’s been an incredible journey that I’ve been lucky to be part of with a fantastic team. Through combined hard work and dedication, we’ve continued to grow – we started with a modest four people and we’re now up to twenty-one and still expanding!
I’ve been a part of some great projects – one of my favourites was with the industrial lubricant manufacturer Rocol. We complete a large, complex install back in 2018 which still works great to this day, and we have a really good working relationship with the site.
On a personal note, one of my proudest achievements is my family. I have three children – two of whom are now thriving in their professional careers, while my youngest is at high school with big ambitions to become a games developer.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
Work to live, not live to work!
It might seem easy, or impossible to some, but it’s one that’s shaped how I approach both business and leadership at APS.
In an industry like dust and fume extraction, where we’re constantly working to meet strict requirements and stringent regulations, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day pressures of projects. This piece of advice reminds me to take breaks and look after myself and the team.
APS has a great culture of both work and play. We look after each other and have a mindful outlook on life. From senior management to those just starting out in their career we always promote a healthy balance, with regular socials and mindfulness sessions. This mindset ultimately creates a positive and motivated team that drives the business forward.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Homemade lasagne – you can’t beat it!
What gets you up in the morning (other than an alarm clock)?
The dogs! We’ve got a mini Labradoodle and a very lively Cockerpoo who make sure there’s never a slow start to the day. They’re great motivation to get outside early, clear the head, and start the day with some fresh air – which definitely helps set the tone for a productive day at APS.
Any other notable hobbies/facts about you?
I used to play football, but got too old, so started running and now I’m getting too old for that too!
I’ve been a junior football coach and manager for the last 18 years, first coaching my eldest son’s team from age 7 to 18, he is now 25! More recently I’ve coached my youngest sons’ team, and I was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the football club in June 2025.
Coaching has taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, and patience – qualities that I bring into my role at APS every day. Whether it’s on the pitch or in the workplace, it’s all about helping people reach their potential.
Ready to work with experienced dust and fume extraction specialists?
With decades of experience designing, installing and maintaining industrial dust and fume extraction systems across the UK, APS delivers solutions that protect people and productivity, whilst helping firms to reach sustainability and efficiency goals.
Get in touch today to speak to Matt and the team about your extraction or LEV system requirements.
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