Project Software Engineer (Manufacturing Document and Support Systems)

We are currently working with a fast-paced modern manufacturing organisation based in the Walsall area, who are seeing extensive continued business and turnover growth since the start of 2021

To ensure the smooth running of their operations and assembly departments, a new Project Software Engineer position has been created to support the development, implementation, and the maintenance of manufacturing software systems.

• £32,000 - £35,000
• Bonus c£3,000
• Pension 
• 33 Days Holidays (Including Bank Hols)
• 37.5 hrs per Week 
• 1pm Finish on Fridays

Project Software Engineer

• The company operates in a modern engineering facility and build and sign-off of over 20,000 high-tech electro-mechanical units per year. The company works to fast lead-times for its global network of customers and their success and growth has come from their continued innovation and their ability to manage the fast and smooth delivery of their products to their customers.
• The purpose of the Project Software Engineer Role
• To play a key role in the identification, development, and implementation of software to improve process’ across the manufacturing line. 
• To be the contact for shop floor for any software concerns and support. 
• To take the lead for software developments in any improvement project. 
• Lead on identifying suppliers of technology to improve the companies process’ and act as contact throughout projects. Reporting into the Operations Manager, you will support the Operations team on wide range of improvement projects.

Project Software Engineer Duties 

• Evaluate, document, and maintain current software used on the manufacturing floor
• Ensure no single point failures in the software systems through documentation and system design
• Support wider team on software & program development projects for Operation Process’
• Provide support for requirements and specification of new externally created software related process across the company
• Act as main contact to external suppliers of testing, programming, and automation technologies
• Drive efficiency through operations and the wider business
• Develop and improve existing programs to match company requirements
• Work with the Op Ex & Operation teams to identify continuous improvements within company systems
• Work alongside New Product Design teams to identify new requirements for manufacturing process’

Project Software Engineer Skills

• Primary requirements: SQL & Microsoft office, C# .NET winforms, SQL server
• Desirable: .NETcore, previous experience in Labview, Azure DevOps
• Computer Science/ Engineering Degree or equivalent
• 2-4 year experience in software project development
• Proven Technical competence but keen to learn new technologies
• Good documentation and specification skills
• Experience with Process Mapping

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Software Engineer that has been involved in either a Process or a Manufacturing environment, to join a busy and dynamic team within a fast-growing organisation.

Commutable from: Walsall, Wolverhampton, Stourbridge, Cannock, Dudley, Birmingham, Stafford, Telford, Shrewsbury

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Manufacturing, Production & Quality Recruitment Support since 1994

A leading manufacturer are seeking an experienced Head of Safety, Environmental and Quality to lead with all Quality, Environmental, and H&S  strategy, processes, policies, legislation and legal obligations across all site operations within this expanding business.

HEAD OF SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND QUALITY ROLE BENEFITS:

• Excellent Company pension
• Private Healthcare and life assurance
• Competitive Salary package
• Holiday purchase scheme and long service awards

DUTIES OF THE HEAD OF SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND QUALITY ROLE:

• Lead the development of Quality, Environmental, and H&S strategy, objectives/targets and implementation of best practices. 
• Prioritise QEHS actions/initiatives and successfully transfer these to operational plans relevant to the level of risk.
• Ensure QEHS systems and policies are applied across all departments.
• Provide advice on legislative requirements / codes of practice.
• Develop and maintain quality and environmental systems compliant with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure systems compliance and continuous improvement.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE HEAD OF SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND QUALITY ROLE:

• Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health and/or Environmental
• Associate level certification to IEMA and/or general certification in NEBOSH
• Minimum 5 year’s, experience in QEHS Management gained ideally within a manufacturing, chemical, or food/fmcg environment.
• Experience in dealing with regulatory agencies (HSE, Environment Agency, Councils)
• Understanding and experience of Safety / Environmental Management Systems inc ISO 40001 and ISO 9001
• A superb communicator (written and verbal) with excellent planning, time management and organisation skills.
• We are seeking a confident leader who holds the ability to inspire and motivate team members to exceed goals.

The HEAD OF SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND QUALITY ROLE is commutable from: Aldridge, Lichfield, Tamworth, Walsall, Cannock, Stafford, Burton on Trent, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham and surrounding areas.

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Manufacturing, Production & Quality Recruitment Support since 1994

Design Engineer (Manufacturing & Assembly Environments)

We are currently working with a modern manufacturing facility based in the Wolverhampton area, who have been seeing extensive continued business and turnover growth since the start of 2021

The company operates in a modern production and assembly facility, and they are now seeking an internal Design Engineer to support their day-to-day process operations. This position will allow better and the smoother running of the Assembly Area of the business to ensure the build and sign-off of over 20,000 electro-mechanical products per year. 

• £32,000 - £35,000
• Bonus c£3,000
• Pension 
• 33 Days Holidays (Including Bank Hols)
• 37.5 hrs per Week 
• 1pm Finish on Fridays

Design Engineer Duties:

• The role will focus on supporting the design of tooling (Jig & Fixtures), equipment and process systems used within the facility. This will require 2D & 3D CAD design skills to develop solutions to solve immediate issues on the shop floor as well as long term efficiency improvements across the team
• To take the design lead on the identification, design and manufacture of equipment’s used across the manufacturing facility. Identifying and sourcing technology improvements and being a key design resource during new product developments for the company. 
• The role will communicate regularly and update with the Operations Team and evaluate new designs and the production methods best used to manufacture the company’s products.
• Create and maintain good documentation and records to ensure all projects are compliant, safe and effective.  
• Reporting into the Operations Manager, the role will be a key part of the operations focus on a wide range of improvement projects, to ensure a more effective delivery of manufactured and assembled products for the future.

Design Engineer Responsibilities:

• Design & commission jigs and fixtures to support assembly.
• Create Manufacturing Plans
• Maintain Manufacturing Plans using In-Design software
• Create layout plans using 3D CAD 
• Liaise with the internal R&D team to resolve component obsolescence issues
• Technical Support for manufacturing equipment used in the area
• Develop, maintain, and improve Manufacturing Processes and Controls
• Lead and/or support Cost Reduction programs
• Initiate and/or Support Capital Projects
• Design, implement and improve Material Storage Systems
• Initiate and/or support a culture of Continuous Improvement.
• Manage the implementation of Engineering Change
• Design and commission fixturing for the area
• Provide technical/engineering support to our Suppliers
• Work with R&D and Suppliers to manage change and introduction of new parts

Experience required for the Design Engineer role.

• A formal qualification in Engineering or Design (Manufacturing/Electrical/Mechanical Eng degree or equivalent)
• A strong background in creating design solutions for Shop Floor and manufacturing environments
• CAD (3D Creo, Solidworks or similar)
• Experienced in manufacturing process’ in the field
• Machining design experience desired

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Design Engineer that has been involved in either a Process, Capital Equipment or DFM background, to join a busy and dynamic team within a fast-growing organisation.

Commutable from: Walsall, Wolverhampton, Stourbridge, Cannock, Dudley, Birmingham, Stafford, Telford, Shrewsbury

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Design, R&D & Projects Engineering Recruitment Support since 1994

A global organisation are now seeking a Health and Safety Manager to join their senior leadership team.  They deliver high quality handling solutions for the global food industry, with a focus on customer care and sustainability. Established for 80 year’s, they are part of a large International Group operating across the globe, and continue to move from strength to strength.  As the Health and Safety Manager, you will be responsible for, shape and lead best practice across UK site operations. Based primarily in Whitchurch this varied and challenging role will oversee multiple sites across the UK.

Benefits:

• Up to £55,000 salary
• 33 days holiday, inc Bank Holidays.
• Company pension, Health Insurance and Car Allowance 

Health & Safety Manager Duties:

• Lead the development of H&S strategy/vision and implementation of best practices. 
• Advise and guide the Board on all aspects of Health & Safety legislation.
• Prioritise H&S actions/initiatives and successfully transfer these to operational plans relevant to the level of risk.
• Ensure H&S systems and policies are applied across all departments.
• Provide Qualitative and quantitative information on H&S including performance statistics and reviews.
• Lead the completion of H&S incident investigations and Learning Reviews.
• Ensure Capital Application Requests (CAR's) are reviewed to ensure H&S requirements are met.
• Proactively drive the development of on-site H&S competencies and approve H&S changes in design and operations.
• Motivate, lead and inspire Management / Supervisors and delivery of training.
• Coach, guide and develop your team.

Heath & Safety Manager Requirements:

• Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health and/or Environmental
• Associate level certification to IEMA and/or general certification in NEBOSH
• Minimum 5 year’s, experience in EHS/Safety Management.
• Experience in dealing with regulatory agencies (HSE, Environment Agency, Councils)
• Understanding and experience of Safety / Environmental Management Systems OHSAS 18001, ISO45001, ISO14001, EMAS
• I would welcome applications from candidates who have gained experience within Logistics, warehouse, or FMCG environments.
• A superb communicator and influencer with a proactive, hands-on approach

The Health and Safety Manager role is commutable from Whitchurch, Market Drayton, Stoke on Trent, Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Telford, Stafford, and surrounding areas

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Manufacturing, Production & Quality Recruitment Support since 1994

One of the leading Technology Research and Development organisations in the Midlands are currently seeking an experienced Systems Engineer, to design system solutions to enhance a vehicles, safety, performance and energy efficiency.

The company have over four decades of experience in the development and proving of electronic and mechatronic control and energy saving systems and applications for the Automotive sector. 

Systems Engineer – Salary Package:

• Salary £40,000 - £50,000
• Private Healthcare
• Pension Scheme 
• 33 Days Holidays (Inc Bank Hols)
• Childcare Voucher Scheme 
• A Multiple Project Technology Environment. 

Duties of a Systems Engineer 

• The analysis of customer requirements, functional safety requirements, relevant legislation and standards to develop system requirement specifications. 
• The use of proven system analysis and design methodologies to develop elegant efficient solutions to meet the project requirements. 
• Working closely with the Functional Safety Department to ensure the analysis and development of appropriate functional safety requirements. 
• Liaison with other engineering disciplines to develop system design specifications and algorithms. 
• Plan, conduct and review testing of new software, hardware and calibrations at a variety of levels including integration testing, dyno testing and vehicle level testing, sometimes including worldwide field trips. 
• The calibration of system functions to comply with project requirements. Complete sign-off procedures for vehicle algorithms, calibrations and final product testing. Undertake system and vehicle development and problem-solving within tight timescales. 
• Fully document the design development and verification of developed systems. 
• Understand and comply with company and customer confidentiality agreements and maintain the security of company and customer property. 

Systems Engineer – Requirements:

• A formal qualification / Degree in a relevant science or Engineering disciplines. 
• Experience of requirements analysis and management, preferably using dedicated requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Cradle, MKS).
• Good experience of Configuration management Tools (e.g., MKS) 
• Experience of systems design methodologies 
• Hands on experience of developing control algorithms for automotive applications 
• Knowledge or familiarity of, Software C-code, MATLAB, CAN and flexray communication protocols and toolchain. 
• A good understanding of electronic hardware techniques and an ability to interpret circuit schematics. 
• Knowledge of the use of microcontrollers within real time embedded systems 
• Proficiency with standard office tools: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. 

This is a great opportunity to be part of the generation of new energy saving and performance enhancing technologies for the vehicles of tomorrow. 

Commutable from: Coventry, Derby, Lichfield, Burton upon Trent, Birmingham, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Stafford, West Bromwich

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Design, R&D & Projects Engineering Recruitment Support since 1994

One of the leading Technology Research and Development organisations in the Midlands are currently seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join their Chassis Project Development Team.

The company have over four decades of experience in the development and proving of electronic and mechatronic control and energy saving systems and applications for the Automotive sector. 

Reporting to the Head of Department the role will become an important part of the Chassis Group, where the role will be responsible for developing and designing software for high performance embedded systems. 

Software Engineer – Salary Package:

• Salary £40,000 - £50,000
• Private Healthcare
• Pension Scheme 
• 33 Days Holidays (Inc Bank Hols)
• Childcare Voucher Scheme 
• A Multiple Project Technology Environment. 

Duties of a Software Engineer will include:

Dealing with embedded software for microcontrollers, using design practices and software life cycles in line with the ISO2001:2008 quality system and high integrity design standards. Providing close coordination of project activities throughout the duration of the project between both the development teams and the customer. 

• The interpretation of system requirements in collaboration with systems and hardware engineers to generate software requirements using semi-formal methods. 
• Develop Code implementation using C/C++ programming languages, assembly language and automatic code generation from modelled environments. 
• Undertake functional components, base software development and problem-solving within tight timescales 
• The use of Autosar BSW configuration and integration 
• The generation and execution of test plans and reports at all levels of the “V” life cycle, including unit/structural tests, integration tests and verification/validation tests 
• The generation and formal review of technical documentation and artefacts from the design process 
• Work to FMEA, HAZOP, FTA and other analysis techniques. 

What we are looking for in a Software Engineer

• A formal qualification in engineering, or a science-based subject (Ideally Software or Electronic Engineering related)
• Good industry experience in a similar role within an embedded system product development environment 
• Good experience of programming using C, C++, C# and assembly languages 
• Experience working with Autosar Base Software, Rte and SWC configuration 
• Experience of using requirements management and specification tools e.g., DOORS, MKS Integrity 
• Experience using configuration management tools e.g., MKS
• Experience with software analysis methodologies and tools e.g., UML, Rhapsody
• Experience with CAN based test tools e.g., CANoe, CANalyser, CANape, PCAN or ValueCAN
• An ability to interpret circuit schematics and understand the basic operation of electronics hardware, especially microprocessor peripheral support circuitry
• A good proficiency with standard office tools: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc

This is a great opportunity to be part of the generation of new energy saving and performance enhancing technologies for the vehicles of tomorrow. 

Commutable from: Coventry, Derby, Lichfield, Burton upon Trent, Birmingham, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Stafford, West Bromwich

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Design, R&D & Projects Engineering Recruitment Support since 1994

One of the leading Technology Research and Development organisations in the Midlands are currently seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Engineer to support the complete range of life-cycle activities relating to the design, development, manufacture and test of both prototype and series production electrical and electronic hardware applications.

The company have over four decades of experience in the development and proving of electronic and mechatronic control and energy saving applications for the Automotive sector. 

Senior Hardware Engineer – Salary Package

• Salary £40,000 - £50,000
• Private Healthcare
• Pension Scheme 
• 33 Days Holidays (Inc Bank Hols)
• Childcare Voucher Scheme 
• A Multiple Project Technology Environment. 

Duties of a Senior Hardware Engineer 

This position reports directly to the Chief Hardware Engineer and includes the following primary duties: 

• Design of new, or update to existing, Automotive products (typically inverters / converters for hybrid and electric vehicles). 
• Liaising with the Systems, Control and Software teams to ensure an optimum solution. 
• Testing of the design once created in hardware. 
• Supporting the Programme team with new project acquisition by providing technical assessment and time estimates. 

Senior Hardware Engineer Requirements

• Ideally Degree-qualified in (Electrical and Electronic Engineering). 
• Good Experience of semiconductor technologies (up to 1200V). 
• Good exposure of Power Conversion; Converter and Inverter (up to 300kW). 
• Experience working with Infineon / NXP microprocessors (or similar). 
• Experience with Altium Designer. 
• Experience in the use of model-based development tools including Matlab, Simulink. 
• Experience in the use of electrical simulation tools; Simetrix, Simplis, Spice, etc. 
• Knowledge of applicable ISO standards. 
• Ideally some knowledge of designing for safety critical systems. 
• Ideally some knowledge of EMC best practice design.

This is a great opportunity to be part of the generation of new energy saving and performance enhancing technologies for the vehicles of tomorrow. 

Commutable from: Coventry, Derby, Lichfield, Burton upon Trent, Birmingham, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Stafford, West Bromwich

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Design, R&D & Projects Engineering Recruitment Support since 1994

One of the leading Technology Research and Development organisations in the Midlands, are currently seeking an experienced Hardware Engineer to support the complete range of life-cycle activities relating to the design, development, manufacture and test of both prototype and series production electrical and electronic hardware applications.

The company have over four decades of experience in the development and proving of electronic and mechatronic control and energy saving applications for the Automotive sector. 

Hardware Engineer – Salary Package

• Salary £40,000 
• Private Healthcare
• Pension Scheme 
• 33 Days Holidays (Inc Bank Hols)
• Childcare Voucher Scheme 
• A Multiple Project Technology Environment. 

Duties of a Hardware Engineer 

• Providing realistic estimates of time and budgets to complete designated activities.
• Liaising with Customer Representatives and other members of the Project Team to agree product hardware requirements, and to resolve specification deficiencies.
• Liaising with internal and external Test Facilities to plan and support product design validation activities.
• Liaising with internal and external Manufacturing Facilities to support product manufacture
• Assisting other members of the Project Team to understand the hardware design
• Promoting the orderly progression of hardware integration by ensuring assigned activities are completed to the schedule agreed with the Project Team. 
• Generating work plans for Electronic Technicians allocated to the Project
• Take a primary role in the hardware design and development process including hardware requirements specification and analysis, hardware system design, hardware functional design, hardware specification, participation in peer and formal reviews, preparation of test plans, specification and procurement of test equipment, coordinating and supporting the manufacture and test of prototypes. 
• Ensure that hardware development work is conducted in accordance with Company policies and procedures, and that such work meets relevant project, customer and company quality and safety standards

Requirements of a Hardware Engineer

• Ideally Degree-qualified in an engineering discipline (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 
• Good experience of small to medium volume manufacturing and assembly techniques appropriate to rotating electrical machines.
• Experience in the use of model-based development tools including Matlab and Simulink 
• Familiarity with external motor control systems including power electronics, control methods and position sensor requirements would be advantageous
• Good test and analysis skills 
• Proficiency with standard office tools: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc 
• Willingness to travel within the UK and worldwide

This is a great opportunity to be part of the generation of new energy saving and performance enhancing technologies for the vehicles of tomorrow.

Commutable from: Coventry, Derby, Lichfield, Burton upon Trent, Birmingham, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Stafford, West Bromwich

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Design, R&D & Projects Engineering Recruitment Support since 1994

This is an opportunity for an Electrical Engineer to join a growing company based in Stoke on Trent to diagnose, fault find, repair and test various industrial Electrical equipment including drives and controls.

Electrical Engineer Role Benefits:

• Up to £40,000 starting salary (depending on shift pattern) 
• There are opportunities to work a variety of shifts including Days, Rotating AM/PM, and Nights Monday – Friday.
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays.
• Overtime available at premium rates.
• Company sick pay
• Life Assurance
• Pension.

Electrical Engineer Role Description

• In this role you will diagnose and fault find on a range of Electrical Industrial equipment including Drives and Controls.
• You will fault find, repair, and test various OEM’s products.
• Reverse engineer, interpret drawings and connection details.

Electrical Engineer Skills and Qualifications

• Successful candidates will hold a recognised qualification within Electrical/Electronic Engineering such as NVQ or City & Guilds.
• This role will require you to have experience of fault finding and repair on a range of OEM’s such as Siemens, Fanuc, Indramat, Allen Bradley etc 
• I would be keen to hear from Electrical Engineers, or Control Engineers who have experience within the repair industry.

In return you will joining a market leader in their field at an exciting time of growth. In return for your commitment, this Organisation offers a stable and secure career and the opportunity for further development. 

This Electrical Engineer position is commutable from: Stoke on Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Leek, Stone, Uttoxeter, Stafford, Crewe and surrounding areas.

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Maintenance, Reliability & Service Recruitment Support since 1994

A leading manufacturer are now seeking an experienced Health and Safety Manager to lead with all H&S processes, policies, legislation and legal obligations across all site operations within a rapidly expanding, modern business.

HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGER ROLE BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary of up to £40,000 dependent on skills and experience
• Company pension
• Excellent working conditions in a modern and expanding business

DUTIES OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGER:

• Lead the development of H&S objectives/targets and implementation of best practices. 
• Prioritise H&S actions/initiatives and successfully transfer these to operational plans relevant to the level of risk.
• Ensure H&S systems and policies are applied across all departments.
• Provide Qualitative and quantitative information on H&S including performance statistics and reviews.
• Lead the completion of H&S incident investigations and Learning Reviews.
• Proactively drive the development of on-site H&S competencies and approve H&S changes in design and operations.
• Management, co-ordinate and Delivery of inspiring H&S training.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGER

• Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health and/or Environmental
• Associate level certification to IEMA and/or general certification in NBOSH
• Minimum 5 year’s, experience in EHS/Safety Management
• Experience in dealing with regulatory agencies (HSE, Environment Agency, Councils)
• Understanding and experience of Safety / Environmental Management Systems inc ISO 45001
• I would welcome applications from candidates who have gained experience within a manufacturing environment.
• A superb communicator
• Proactive, hands-on approach

The Health and Safety Manager role is commutable from Wolverhampton, Walsall,  Shrewsbury, Telford, Stafford, Cannock and surrounding areas.

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Manufacturing, Production & Quality Recruitment Support since 1994

We are looking for a QUAILTY ENGINEER, to join a busy, manufacturing organisation. 

If you are an ambitious, energetic QUALITY ENGINEER, who is looking for a dynamic, busy, fast paced environment, with genuine prospects, then this is the job for you!

This is an International multi-site organisation; the sky is the limit where your career could go. 

As the QUALITY ENGINEER, you will have the day-to-day control of quality assurance activities and provide support to APQP quality related activities.

BENEFITS

• £30,000 - £35,000
• Working directly with the Senior Management team
• Excellent Pension and holidays
• Early finish Fridays
• Busy and very friendly manufacturing organisation, very pleasant working environment
• A genuine chance to make an impact
• Other Benefits to be confirmed

DUTIES OF THE QUALITY ENGINEER

• Day to day control of quality assurance activities
• Develop the relationship with the Quality Manager
• Support APQP quality related activities
• Control Plans and Product validation
• Lead assembly dimensional analysis
• SPC, Control Plans and Quality Alerts
• Customer 8D reports
• Ensure robust containment
• Root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions

REQUIREMENT OF THE QUAILTY ENGINEER

• ISO 9001 and IATF 16949
• Good knowledge of auditing as well as risk- based thinking
• To have gained your experience in a fast- paced manufacturing environment
• Excellent knowledge of Controls Plans and SPC
• Energetic and passionate about Quality
• This would suit a Quality Engineer who is looking for long-term prospects and commitment

The role is commutable from Walsall, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Burton Upon Trent, Uttoxeter, Ashby-De-La-Zouch, Stafford, Cannock, Loughborough, and Aldridge

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Manufacturing, Production & Quality Recruitment Support since 1994

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

We are a well-respected employer within the plastics sector and are seeking to recruit proven Multi Skilled Maintenance Technician, to join our team. 

Maintenance Technician Benefits: 

• Negotiable salary in the region of £39,000
• Paid Overtime at Premium Rates
• Enhanced Sick Pay Scheme
• Company Pension
• Stable Working Environment.

Duties of an Maintenance Technician 

• As a proven Maintenance Technician you will be required to undertake both planned and reactive maintenance across our plant, which will require you to have experience of supporting plant and equipment within a fast paced / high volume production environment.

Requirements of an Maintenance Technician

• Ideally you will be apprentice trained but must be qualified Electrically and have some understanding of Plc Controls.

This Maintenance Technician role is commutable from: Coleshill, Fradley and Tamworth, Burton, Newall & Swadlincote

Probe Technical Recruitment, providing Maintenance, Reliability & Service Recruitment Support since 1994