GG Cuddon has a lot to answer for - Helen Ashworth

Presented by Helen Ashworth - Cuddon Freeze Dry

WGG Cuddon has a lot to answer for. A legend in his own lifetime, he was an incredible designer, engineer and entrepreneur who took the 'kiwi-can-do attitude' to the next level.

Establishing Cuddon Limited in 1938, he started a legacy that has seen the company support our primary industries for nearly 9 decades. Establishing the Cuddon Freeze Dry business in 1957, the Cuddon brand is now synonymous with excellence in freeze dry equipment throughout the world.

John Cuddon grew up within the company, starting with his apprenticeship and taking on the role of Managing Director in 1986. Although now retired, John is still an active member of the Cuddon Board and an owner of this iconic kiwi business.

A chartered professional engineer, Helen Ashworth heads up the Cuddon Freeze Dry team based in Blenheim, New Zealand and is charged with continuing the legacy of WGG Cuddon and the Cuddon Freeze Dry brand. 

A former senior Royal Naval Officer and Chief Engineer of the UK Aircraft Carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, Helen emigrated to New Zealand in 2011. After failing miserably to retire and enjoy her military pension, she took up a role overseeing the RNZAF's aircraft maintenance contracts before being appointed Business Development Manager for Airbus NZ. Helen started working for Cuddon as their Freeze Dry Manager in 2018.