Celebrating Dudley and Keith – Two Industry Greats

At Duo, we’re proud of the people who have shaped our journey. Two names that stand out are Dudley Lloyd and Keith Darch, who have both recently retired after long and remarkable careers. Between them, they’ve seen huge changes in the quarrying and aggregates world, and their work has left a lasting mark on our industry.

Dudley’s Journey

Dudley joined LJH in December 2005, just before it became Duo in January 2006. By June that year he was a Director, leading the Frome manufacturing arm. From 2006 to 2018, Dudley and his team delivered 37 major projects, from IBA plants to crushing, washing, and screening sites, with project values ranging from £100,000 to £4 million.

But his career began long before Duo. Back in the late 1970s he was selling crushers for Brown Lennox, then later for Parker and Metso, and even spent over a decade in the explosives business with EDL. Dudley also gave a lot back to the industry through the Institute of Quarrying, where he served as Chairman of the South Wales Branch and later took on a national role as Chairman of the Supply Industry.

Even after stepping down as Director in 2018, Dudley stayed with Duo until August this year, showing just how dedicated he has always been.

Keith’s Journey

Keith began his career in 1973 as a trainee salesman with Bowmaker Plant, later Finning, the Caterpillar dealer. Over 25 years he worked his way up to Sales Manager, covering quarrying and waste, and built a strong reputation for his sales skills and customer relationships.

After leaving Caterpillar, Keith worked with Merriman and then Hydrex, before taking the bold step of starting his own company, Denbow International in 2008. It was a brave move at a time when markets were uncertain, but Keith built the business successfully with the support of trusted colleagues and customers.

Denbow and Duo later came together, combining people, expertise, and resources, all under one roof. Keith was at the heart of this growth, travelling across more than 40 countries, building friendships, and always believing that people are the key to success.

Now retired, Keith is spending more time with family, enjoying life in France, and even working on a book about his 50 years in the industry, called Down to Earth.

A Well-Earned Retirement

Both Dudley and Keith have given so much to our industry and to Duo. They’ve been leaders, mentors, and friends to many, and their stories show the power of hard work, courage, and staying true to your word.

On behalf of everyone at Duo, we want to say thank you. Thank you for the projects delivered, the relationships built, and the example you’ve set for the next generation.

We wish you both the very best in retirement, whether that’s travelling, writing, or simply relaxing. You’ve more than earned it.