2019

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Untitled-1 2 01/11/2019 15:56 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 CONTENTS

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY PAGES

Background 04

Foreword by Nick Peters, Editorial Director The Manufacturer 05

Cranfield University andThe Manufacturer by Professor Mark Jolly 07

Manufacturing Directors’ Scholarship with Cranfield University 08

Celebrating Success, by Dan Kirkpatrick, Trust Hunter 11

Judging Panel 12

Judging Criteria 14

What it means to be a member of The Manufacturer Top 100 16

The Pledge 17

THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 A-Z 18-57

Sponsored by:

TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 3 02/11/2019 14:45 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND

EDITORIAL WHY? We first had the idea for The that is really saying something. Nick Peters Manufacturer Top 100 in 2013. There Out of the 100 judged to have made Jonny Williamson was a growing recognition, in academic the cut, 20 have been highlighted as Rory Butler studies and parliamentary reports, that Exemplars, people who make a truly [email protected] there was a lack of visible role models exceptional contribution to the sector COMMUNITY MANAGER in industry. every day. Alice Green [email protected] WHAT? The Top 100 was our WHAT’S NEXT? All 100 are response. We wanted to provide catalysts for change. They strive for DESIGNER a showcase for the most inspiring innovation, the newest technologies Declan Stewart individuals in industry, to illustrate and pioneering business models. They [email protected] the enthusiasm and commitment acclimatise, pivot and plunge forward present in modern manufacturing, and as the markets and competition around to underscore the exciting, well-paid them evolve. They are the driving force and rewarding careers that exist in the behind the country’s manufacturing sector. renaissance, and to understand their journeys is to understand why it is WHO? These 100 individuals have truly exciting to be manufacturing in been nominated by customers, team Britain. members, by the leaders and the led, from shop floor to top floor. They are among the very best UK manufacturing has to offer. And given the brilliance of modern manufacturing in this country,

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FOREWORD

A VERY WARM WELCOME proud of. to carry around with you, but all means we have a 600-strong cohort TO OUR CELEBRATION OF The 100 people we showcase in this these profiles are available online at of ambassadors whose individual and THE MANUFACTURER TOP book are the best of them, nominated themanufacturertop100.com. Invite collective voices carry real weight in our 100 2019. by their peers and judged by our expert people to visit it, particularly when you industry. Help us grow this community panel to be at the pinnacle of individual hear statements such as, “Who wants by watching out for the invitation to It has been a tumultuous year, with Brexit achievement in manufacturing. Among the to work in a dirty old industry like nominate those who you believe deserve forcing many manufacturers to throw 100, our judging panel chose 20 for special manufacturing?” or “Manufacturing? to be in The Manufacturer Top 100 2020. longstanding plans out of the window and recognition. We call them ‘Exemplars’. It’s for boys who can’t get decent jobs Invitations will be sent out in May next start stockpiling for a March 29 deadline anywhere else.” year. that never happened, to invest in expensive I won’t spoil your enjoyment of this book contingencies for a No-Deal disaster that by introducing any of them to you here. I know those statements sound Until then, thank you for your support, (at the time of writing) may still emerge What I would say is that the Exemplars, preposterous to any of us who understand and many congratulations once again to from the December 2019 election, and indeed all 100, offer a remarkably varied what brilliant careers young men and the Top 100! to revisit all the underpinnings of their cross-section of skills, backgrounds and women can fashion for themselves in business they would otherwise have left contributions to our sector. As the best industry, but they do represent how a great unquestioned. among us, we regard them as role models many people in this country think. for the entire country and we will be doing Through it all, they had to rely on their all we can to introduce them to people in So let’s all engage in this virtuous campaign people to keep the whole thing going: schools, government and wherever there to applaud these tremendous examples of individuals, from the shop floor to might be a lack of appreciation for what the spirit that drives our sector, and in so NICK PETERS the board room, whose unwavering careers in manufacturing are all about. doing expose it and them to a wider gaze. Editorial Director, commitment to their business, their The Manufacturer teams and their customers make UK Can we ask you to do the same? A final thought. This is the sixth year manufacturing something we can all be I recognise this book is a bit much in which we have done this, which

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 6 02/11/2019 14:45 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY AND THE MANUFACTURER BY PROFESSOR MARK JOLLY

CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY AND THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

It is undeniable that our manufacturing where manufacturing education, with operational responsibility for achievements. Adding to the successful sector has a lot to be proud of and the research and technology transfer manufacturing and service delivery. It Directors’ offering, the line-up of executive Top 100 continues to provide the vital are core themes. Alongside our long- blends each delegate’s own skills and development courses includes our Services spotlight on its most essential element: standing postgraduate programmes, experience with Cranfield University 4.0 programme that is strongly aligned the best of our people. 2019 marks the Cranfield Manufacturing offers a staff’s practitioner experience of with the current needs of manufacturing sixth year of celebrating our country’s Top series of Executive Education courses implementing operational excellence to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies, 100 manufacturing talent, adding another for developing the careers of talented to help deliver sustainable solutions. such as Internet of Things, Cyber-Physical 100 personalities to the pantheon of the individuals within manufacturing, The outcome is a specific performance Systems, Cloud Computing, Big Data crème de la crème of our profession. such as many of those recognised in improvement plan with measurable Management and Artificial Intelligence. Whatever the backdrop of geopolitical The Manufacturer Top 100 report. Our Return-On-Investment. The application It empowers participants to become turbulence, our talented people continue programmes engage executives to create of the improvement plan can be on any the agents of change on the right path of to provide hope and excitement for a tangible win-wins for them as individuals initiative that delivers performance Digital Transformation and Servitization part of our economy that has always been and for their organisations. They are part improvement. This can range from of Manufacturing, enabling them to build a multiplier of value in both economic of the famous Cranfield no-nonsense the deployment of new equipment or realistic business cases that bypass hype and social terms. Cranfield University as approach that injects the best thought- systems, through resolving operations and deliver what they promise. the educational partner of the Top 100 leadership into actionable plans. HR issues to a plant-wide culture change. remains a staunch supporter and proud Our blended learning approach ensures At Cranfield we understand that getting sponsor of The Manufacturer Top 100. New for 2020 is the launch of the that individuals’ talents are stretched to the top is not the end of your journey – Operations Directors’ Programme (ODP) and fortified to blaze a trail of practical helping you stay on top is what we do best. Manufacturing remains significant for designed to deliver immediate operational the UK economy and sustains more than performance improvement to each five million households. We are still in the participant’s sponsoring company. Over top 10 global manufacturing nations and a period of two one-day assessments the opportunities for rewarding careers and three two-day modules, delegates are plentiful. The yearly showcase of the are coached to develop solutions to Top 100 in our profession is the testament an operations issue facing each of to the real difference manufacturing their businesses in order to create an people are making to so many lives in improvement implementation plan Prof Mark Jolly communities across the UK. based on operations excellence and peer CEng, CEnv, FIMMM, FICME Director of Manufacturing, reviews. The programme is designed Cranfield University Cranfield University is recognised as for senior managers, directors and high one of the UK’s leading institutions potential employees of UK businesses

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THE HENNIK GROUP

Open to any senior executive MANUFACTURING working in any sector of UK manufacturing and who is named within this or the past three DIRECTORS’ SCHOLARSHIP The Manufacturer Top 100 publications IN ASSOCIATION WITH CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY

The Hennik Group Directors’ Scholarship direct responsibility or influence over in association with Cranfield University manufacturing strategy and business supports and promotes strategic performance. THE PROGRAMME WILL HELP EXECUTIVES: operations leadership and capability by Develop methods for sure-fire improvements in their own environment offering one full scholarship worth £10,000 It is the only executive programme in the (excluding accommodation) to any UK that blends strategy and leadership Improve their leadership skills through coaching and review sessions executive working in UK manufacturing expertise from its world-leading business Learn how to devise, develop, implement and lead agile manufacturing who is named within this or the past three school, alongside the industrial prowess of strategies for better performance The Manufacturer Top 100 publications. operational excellence in manufacturing that Cranfield is globally famous for. Learn how to evaluate and understand the risks that are inherent in all the Additionally, there are also three part- business decisions that you make scholarships, each equivalent to 25% of WHAT DOES THE PROGRAMME Gain awareness of recent advances in data insights for responsive execution the total fee (excluding accommodation) CONTAIN? – worth £2,500 each. It is worth noting Comprising two one-day assessments Learn how to apply ‘Open Innovation’ principles and tools aimed at that the costs of Cranfield University’s and three two-day modules, the maximising the returns of innovation by integrating customers and suppliers Executive Programmes are tax deductible. Operations Directors’ Programme enables in the process executives to learn and apply best-in-class WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR? manufacturing leadership thinking to HOW TO APPLY: The Operations Directors’ Programme deliver tangible results. The approach can To apply for this scholarship or for more information email is Cranfield University’s flagship be summed-up as: [email protected] and attach your current CV and a covering letter. manufacturing course for directors, senior Diagnose - Build - Develop - Deploy - managers and high potentials who have Review.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 10 02/11/2019 14:45 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 CELEBRATING SUCCESS

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

The Manufacturer Top 100 is a fantastic heroes, who facilitate the success of Hiring for change This list is a fantastic reflection of the initiative that publicly recognises those around them and the success of Uncertain futures have always resulted resilience, adaptiveness and overall the leaders and unsung heroes of UK their business as a whole. in an epic war for talent. So, while it is success of the UK manufacturing manufacturing, those who are making important to recognise and retain the industry. steps to change the face of industry, The New Age of the Unknown best possible people, it’s just as crucial discover new markets, invest in people, With Brexit delayed but looming, to ensure your business is doing all it Trust Hunter is privileged to be processes, technology and customers, manufacturers are feeling left in the can to attract tomorrow’s leaders. involved in celebrating this success, or who are making an impact dark, with many finding their strategic and together, we are committed to disproportionate to their years. planning is being put at risk and fearing Our goal at Hunter is to enable helping the UK manufacturing industry the UK manufacturing industry could manufacturing businesses to attract continue to drive forwards. Now in its sixth year, this year’s finalists be plunged into turmoil. talent to their business, to ensure will become lifelong members of a they are equipped to not only tackle coveted 600 strong community of Despite these deep concerns, many the changing political and economic shining lights of the industry. manufacturers also believe that the UK landscape, but to allow them to be in has the drive to succeed as an industrial the vanguard of the ever-evolving, DAN KIRKPATRICK, They represent some of the most nation post-Brexit. automation-led future of manufacturing. Head of Customer inspiring and innovative individuals Success at who will help to drive the industry However, to achieve that future Through a blend of intuitive technology Trust Hunter forwards in the post-Brexit era. success, the industry will need to rely and recruitment expertise, we can on optimising the way individuals and position businesses to attract the best These are the people who are embracing businesses operate. talent ahead of their competition. change in an uncertain economic climate, who are inspiring their teams, Manufacturing businesses should be UK manufacturing success looking for new ways to improve harnessing and recognising the skills Too often, the story of UK products and processes to safeguard the of their current workforce, while manufacturing is seen as one of decline, future of their business. This group also acknowledging, and looking to fill, skills but this is wrong – we are still one of the www.trusthunter.co.uk features many of our industry’s unsung gaps in advance. world’s great manufacturing nations.

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JUDGING PANEL

Halil Bedevi COLIN BROWN GEORGE EDWARDS UK Head of Aerospace, Chief Executive Officer, Founder, Defence & Advanced IMechE Make-Sense Consulting Manufacturing Santander Corporate & Commercial

STEVE EVANS NIGEL FINE Director of Research, PAUL EVERITT Chief Executive Officer, University of Chief Executive Officer, Institution of Cambridge ADS Group Engineering and Technology

HARRIS MAKATSORIS CARL PERRIN JENNY HOLLLOWAY Professor of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturing Institute for Future Fashion Enter/Fashion Operations, Transport & Cities (FTC) Capital Cranfield University

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STEPHEN PHIPSON JANE ROBINSON JAMES SELKA Chief Executive Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Jane Robinson Officer, Make UK Consulting MTA

DR. HAYAATUN SILLEM JAN WARD CBE BILL WILLIAMS Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive The Royal Academy of Corrotherm CEME Engineering

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JUDGING CRITERIA

Inspiring Leader Bold Investor in New Markets An inspiring leader who has created wealth for and created Someone who has been courageous in finding new markets, stable employment at a UK-based manufacturing firm, increased revenue by venturing overseas and helped reshape while remaining committed to investing in developing the one or multiple markets by providing a new and competitive value of their manufacturing business through people, business model involving UK manufacturing. processes and technology

Driver of Cultural Change Unsung Hero An individual who has helped to alter popular perceptions Someone who is instrumental in facilitating the success about manufacturing locally or nationally, inspiring of those around them and the success of the business young people, women and minority groups or has as a whole. They are the constants that provide support influenced government to help make conditions better for and knowledge both downwards and upwards within the manufacturing in the UK. professional hierarchy.

Young Pioneer Innovator – NEW for 2019 A person who has made an impact disproportionate Someone who embraces change in order to improve to their years, providing inspiration for the future of outcomes, and who is able to bring their team along manufacturing in the UK. with them. They constantly seek to improve products, processes and/or team-working in service of the customer and the business.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 15 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 WHAT IT MEANS

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

The Manufacturer Top 100 alumni are representative of everything that is brilliant and inspiring about UK manufacturing.

To be part of it means that someone, either within your company or outside, considers you to be an outstanding role model for the talented people we all want to encourage into careers in our sector. It is an acknowledgment of your past achievements and a signpost to your future success.

Such a very public endorsement of your qualities can have significant career implications for you going forward.

As part of this elite community, you are entitled to the following courtesy benefits from The Manufacturer:

• Lifetime VIP passes to The Manufacturer Summit events whilst directly employed within a manufacturing role

• The opportunity to win a Manufacturing Director’s Scholarship in association with Cranfield University – see page 9 for further details

• Lifetime complimentary subscription to The Manufacturer magazine whilst directly employed within a manufacturing role

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THE PLEDGE

What we look for in turn is a sign of the deepening commitment to the sector that being a member of The Manufacturer Top 100 implies. We therefore ask you to make some, if not all, of these contributions. Those with an asterisk we regard as a minimum:

Pay it forward - nominate two individuals for The Manufacturer Top 100 2020*

Share your story - write an article for The Manufacturer or agree to be interviewed*

Close the Skills Gap - become a STEM ambassador or help a colleague to do so

Showcase brilliant UK manufacturing - open your factory doors to schools, universities and the local community

Shape industry coverage - join The Manufacturer’s Editorial Advisory Board

Future-proof your business - employ an apprentice

Recruit the right talent at school age – host a stand at a careers fair

Be an active part of the community - join us at one of The Manufacturer’s events, or even better, take a speaking slot*

Now, turn the page to meet The Manufacturer Top 100 2019

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Richard Almond Christopher Anniwell Lead Additive Manufacturing Engineer Production Manager Airbus Defence and Space Ideal Manufacturing

Taking on new challenges and solving problems that ‘can’t be done’ is what I joined Ideal Manufacturing as a production member, working my way up makes my job interesting. I’ve always enjoyed building and making, so coming through the warehouse department, dispatch planning, stock control and now from an apprenticeship with Airbus where I was given the chance to work with production manager. I have always been a hands-on, practical person with a additive manufacturing, I just couldn’t turn it down. The possibilities really simple philosophy that someone built an item so I must be able to take it apart are endless, which means that nothing is impossible; it just hasn’t been done and repair it myself. By doing this, you learn how things are made, how they yet. My career in manufacturing has taken me from hands-on work, through to work and perhaps how to improve them. Leaders need the ability to explain an cutting-edge research and the ability to combine all that together to solve the idea to others, both staff and management, in a way they will understand. Never things that ‘can’t be done’. be afraid to have a go, you can’t improve if you never fail.

If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... My favourite manufactured product Never stop learning and trying new things. We always think that we are too Oddly, I would have to say the barrel lock cylinder. This goes back to busy, but when you look back you are always amazed at how much you have my locksmith days when I first started in work. Individually all the lock achieved. Also, don’t wait. I may not have ended up here, but I’m sure it would components are very fragile, a pile of small springs and brass pins no thicker be just as interesting. than pencil lead. Yet together make some of the strongest locks in the world.

Dale Astley Tyler Atkinson Machine Shop Supervisor Apprentice Welding Coordinator Yamazaki Mazak WEC Group

I am the youngest supervisor we have had at my company, nominated for I am very driven. My involvement in the WorldSkills Competition has given the Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year Awards where I reached the final me a serious appetite to grow and develop my future career in manufacturing. three. I have also been able to visit one of our manufacturing plants in China Representing the UK in Construction Metal Work at an international level has where I spent the week going round the machine shop to see their processes to be the biggest highlight of my career so far. It has given me a skillset that and procedures and what we could adopt here in the UK factory. What fires very few 19 year olds have had the chance to gain. Alongside my WorldSkills me up about my job is having the opportunity and platform to inspire change training, I attended boot camps in which we carried out various team building and make a difference in the manufacturing industry in which I work. exercises and attended multiple lectures about mind management to help us perform under pressure. My favourite manufactured product That would be a CNC lathe. Going through my apprenticeship and the first Something else you’d like to tell us? stages of my introduction to the engineering and manufacturing world, My grandparents owned a farm and my grandma taught me how to ride a learning and using a CNC lathe will always stay in my mind and is one of the horse. They are beautiful animals, I love the way they use their ears, eyes and reasons I enjoy manufacturing. nostrils to express their mood, and use facial expressions to communicate their feelings.

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Joern Behrenroth Managing Director, FEV UK

FEV is a global engineering company Joern’s greatest achievement to date what we’re trying to achieve with focused on the development of is the opening this year of the C-ALPS Coventry University.” automotive powertrains, with hybrid (Centre for Advanced Low Carbon and electric vehicles very much a part Propulsion) in partnership with It is an imaginative way to create a of their future. Joern Behrenroth didn’t Coventry University, a ground-breaking reliable talent pipeline, if expensive have much clue about his own future move that puts FEV at the centre of the – C-ALPS cost £50m in joint funding In their own words when he left university in East Germany development of the UK’s automotive with Coventry University and Innovate with an engineering degree in 1995, but future. He managed the project UK. But Joern sees no alternative. He What advice would you give to he did know he wanted to visit the UK. from concept to fruition, including is quite frank about the weakness of the your younger self? The EU Erasmus programme set him overseeing the creation of a state-of- UK apprenticeship system compared Be open-minded about what is possible. up with six months studying at King’s the-art new test centre. with Germany’s. In East Germany, I had no idea I would College, London, and the die was cast. end up working in the UK with a “We looked at how FEV in Germany “Every company there above a certain fantastic team in a company like FEV. He went back to Germany to finish works closely with universities and size has to train apprentices, supported his studies and then went to work for decided to do that here. In Aachen by the local education infrastructure. What is your favourite Bosch (whose founder Robert Bosch, (FEV’s global HQ in Germany) they In the UK, we have a battery testing engineered/manufactured the inventor of the spark plug, is one work really closely with the university project that will need 20-30 technicians, product? of Joern’s engineering heroes). His there. PhDs work with them on pre- and there’s nobody out there with the Electric guitars and amplifiers. They English language skills earned him a production projects. They then finish training or qualification. It’s a challenge, are a great combination of traditional ticket back to the UK to manage Bosch their PhDs and join FEV. That’s really definitely a challenge!” design with modern technologies, customer relations here. There followed purely for entertainment. stints at Rover (when it was owned by BMW) and Ricardo before opening the Please give one interesting fact UK arm of the German FEV in 2014. about yourself that not many people know. He has grown FEV UK from a small team I look at this building which four years ago was Despite living in the Midlands, I love to working with many of the UK’s top car “ surfing, so clearly my dream job would companies. “I look at this building which just a patch of grass and I say, ‘Yeah, we were be working as a sound engineer in a four years ago was just a patch of grass nothing. Now we are an accepted business recording studio by the sea. and I say, ‘Yeah, we were nothing. Now we are an accepted business partner partner for these companies.’ for these companies. The research is working, we are resolving our production problems and that’s brilliant.”

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Paul Baranowski Patrick Barron CEO Global Director, Supply Chain Climate Edge Thermo Fisher Scientific

We build tools to help farmers in the Tropics access services. I find this work I have a deep passion for how supply chain and operations can be leveraged as so inspiring because we create impact beyond profit. My job is to ensure that a competitive advantage to deliver growth, and strongly believe in adopting our tools create meaningful change to people’s livelihoods. Manufacturing is a resource-based view to strategic management and how we should develop a crucial part of this process and by building physical tools we achieve truly people and empower teams to contribute to the achievement of both personal unique results. Our weather stations collect millions of data points. This allows and company objectives. I have more than 20 years’ experience in supply chains, coffee farmers to manage pests, banana farmers to irrigate, and tea farmers to having worked with several major FMCG and pharma organisations, with increase yields. I am proud to manufacture in the UK and look forward to seeing responsibilty for driving transformational change within a global context. My the industry continue to flourish. motivation in the science sector stems from the difference we make to people’s lives, and adopting an approach to ‘think big and challenge the status quo’. What qualities must future leaders have? The best leaders come from unexpected backgrounds, not following a If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... prescribed set of qualities. I believe that building a great product requires Be open to ideas and embrace change, try not to be an accidental diminisher, empathy and the ability to listen. Something that everyone can do - if they and instead think about how you can amplify and bring out the smarts and choose to. capabilities of those around you. The power of leveraging our collective genius should never be underestimated.

Sam Beattie Simon Beech Quantity Surveyor Chief Operating Officer TSP Engineering Nasmyth Group

I have just entered the final year of my five-year part-time BSc (Honours) I started my career with Lucas Industries and worked in both the automotive degree, and hopefully I’ll be graduating next summer. I believe that the future and aerospace sectors, gaining functional experience in marketing, business of manufacturing will be focused on unlocking the potential of digitalisation. development, HR and programme management. I joined Bulwell Precision Within traditional framework contracts, contractors often carry Engineers in 2000 as MD and steered it from being a family SME into a major disproportionate levels of risk, leaving little room to pilot new technologies, supply chain company. In 2003, I was asked to join in the acquisition of the often hindering innovation. The implementation of more collaborative Bulwell business and become part of the Nasmyth Group. I am actively involved in contracting models can help align all stakeholders with shared levels of risk, a number of industry groups including ADS (Aerospace Defence Space Group) and clear expectations, and real incentives for collective problem-solving. Such AMC, and am a past Vice Chairman of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance Board. models will be critical in reconfiguring supply chains and project dynamics to encourage innovative approaches. My favourite manufactured product I have always admired the Spitfire, the World War 2 fighter. It was powered by a If I wasn’t a manufacturer, I’d love to be... Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, which sat in the majority of aircrafts near to the end A rapper. I get plenty of practice in the shower and I think that I’m quite good. of the Second World War. Truly a fantastic engineered product. However, I think my girlfriend would disagree!

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William Bridgman Chairman, Warren Services

With a cool 20 years in the world of Will said strategic alliances are the overseeing health and safety protocols, manufacturing at senior management cornerstone of a successful and developing communications packages, level, Will has been at the forefront of sustainable business, while remaining providing technical and design significant changes within the industry, agile in developing new products and consultation and sitting on the board of and has always strived to ensure his services from end-to-end. directors. company keeps pace with the latest In their own words developments in engineering and “I am very passionate about finding “At Warren services my main design. new ways to enhance business responsibilities include building What is your favourite portfolios and to ensure that Warren effective strategic client and engineered/manufactured Founded in 1990, Warren Services Services remains a leading-edge, partner relationships to deliver product? manufactures components and technical solutions provider.” business success, leading the senior It has to be the Tesla Model 3. I mechanical and electrical sub- management team and ensuring that love how Tesla has accelerated the assemblies using advanced 3D CAD The A Level mathematics graduate business efforts are aligned to the transition to sustainable energy with systems. went on to study finance at degree organisation’s vision, while working electric cars. level at the University of Birmingham, directly with line management to “We moved into our existing premises before assuming management help craft effective production and Please give one interesting fact in 2005,” said Will. “The factory was positions within the hospitality sector manufacturing processes,” he said. about yourself that not many completely renovated and redeveloped, where his responsibilities included people know. providing 30,000 sqft of shop floor re-configuring catering services I’m dyslexic. It’s something I’ve area and new offices, which gives us and facilities to be more efficient, struggled with in my life, but others a modern and well-equipped facility shouldn’t let it stand in their way. with new machinery and cutting-edge IT systems. The space is split into If you weren’t in manufacturing CNC machining, welding, fabrication what would your dream job be? and finishing, and water jet, laser and I’d love to be in software development. folding.” “ I think it’ll be exciting to see what I am very passionate about finding new ways happens there. “In 2014 we completed and opened to enhance business portfolios and to ensure our second site just around the corner at Brickfields. This gave us a further that Warren Services remains a leading- 50,000 sqft and the space to move our edge, technical solutions provider. assembly processes over allowing for further development.”

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Renaud Besnard Andrew Bethel Chief Manufacturing Officer Operations Director Photobox Group Christeyns Food Hygiene

I am an agent of change and nothing excites me more than seeing the growth I started with an apprenticeship and took an HNC Engineering qualification and progress of brand new operation units. In the past 15 years, I have which led to an interest in manufacturing, specifically in the dairy sector. I been focusing on the production and fulfilment of millions of unique and worked my way up to engineering management, until in 2001 I was headhunted personalised products. That business hardly existed at the time we started, and by Klenzan , which has since amalgamated with Christeyns Food Hygiene we had to create industrial solutions from scratch, and then evolve them in a UK, a small part of a successful international hygiene business. I thrive on the leaner and more automated way. Future leaders will need to embrace the digital challenges of engineering issues and enjoy nothing more than working with revolution in manufacturing: access more data, use it to adapt production customers to find the best solution for their needs in an ever-changing market. I capacities, and efficient communication of performance to customers. can’t think of a better industry to be a part of to keep me motivated to strive for more. Something else you’d like to tell us? I play real tennis, one of the oldest sports in the world (“jeu de paume” in What qualities must future leaders have? French), the ancestor of modern tennis. Modestly, I am one of the top 500 Adaptability to ever-changing economic and customer requirements, a positive players worldwide. outlook and a can-do attitude that will nurture employees while satisfying customer needs.

Nick Bion Paul Birtles Managing Director Operations Director Robert Bion and Co Produmax

My satisfaction comes from seeing things made. I believe people in There is no greater reward than watching people you have mentored and manufacturing are basically honest; within engineering something either worked with stepping up to another level. I am lucky enough to be involved works or it doesn’t. Being at the helm of a successful company for 30 years in recruiting and mentoring apprentices through our scheme set up more is what drives me to succeed and to continue to strive to do better. The skills than five years ago. It is great to see them come through the programme and required fit in with my desire to do something both practical and innovative. begin their own journey through manufacturing. I also work with schools to For me, leading is about having integrity, tenacity, and being excited about promote manufacturing as a career and spend a lot of time taking teams to what your company makes; to be optimistic about the future, outward looking career fairs, open days and mentoring sessions. If it helps even a small number and to be committed to one’s staff. Success depends on having good people choose manufacturing as a career, it is worth it. around you. Something else you’d like to tell us? Something else you’d like to tell us? I used to be extremely shy and had to build up a barrier of confidence. I don’t My favourite product is the iPhone and my dream job would to be a teacher. know what is the barrier and what is the real me now, but I stand in front of Oh, and I can juggle. groups of people and don’t think about it anymore.

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James Grainger Executive Director, Grainger and Worrall

“Long-termism, investment in “The transition from a big small to “When you become the largest engineering emerging technologies, and integrating a small big company creates many employer in the region, a provider for those technologies and our people to challenges, in creating strong systems hundreds of families, there is a corporate create amazing metal shapes that our to replace corridor conversations, social responsibility. As a family-centric customers want, that’s the difference.” providing team members with business, with myself, my brothers and progression paths, and creating a our families living locally, we support our In their own words James Grainger, executive director profile for the best place to work. It’s friends and town with the same long-term of Grainger and Worrall , tells an is a great challenge to have,” he said. approach that we approach our business. What is your favourite amazing story of ambition, inspiration, You can enjoy both an international and engineered/manufactured and being terrified at some of the GW is now employing 700 people, local relationship.” product? decisions being made in hard economic with £70m turnover, and a CAGR of The F1 engine. From the late 90’s it was times. It’s a humble and engaging 10-15%. They were first to bring CT James’ grandfather could not have a V10 naturally aspirated engine with story of building a family business, scanning and 3D sand printing into known that he had started a family 1000hp. Today it’s a 1.6 V6 hybrid twin incorporated by his grandfather foundry commercial applications, tradition of industriousness and turbo. Lap times are faster and fuel is and his brother-in-law (Worrall), supply the F1 teams, hyper and determination that would pass to his reduced by half. developed by his father, and now performance cars, the ever-expanding son and from there to his grandson. expanded and run by James with his electric vehicle segment and Please give one interesting fact brother’s Matthew and Edward. commercial markets. “We learn from our mistakes and we about yourself that not many battle on because we were always hard- people know. So, what’s the secret? “Adapting to In 2016, joined by like-minded working, very focused and competitive. I recently started paddle boarding and change and not getting complacent,” companies, GW created a We got that culture from my father to say, sometimes I stay on it! says James. “Getting out there and collaborative training school, ‘right, go and get stuck in, find a solution, seeing the world, learning how the enabling a further entry route to find a way’. My son, Alex, has been If you weren’t in manufacturing best companies in the world are doing their engineering business whilst involved for more than 10 years now and what would your dream job be? things, what their different approaches supporting the local community. is picking up the reins as he goes along.” Growing the family business is the are, and how they are motivating their dream job – it’s a way of life. team. Pitch yourself against the best in the world and focus on being better than them.” “ Pitch yourself against the best in the world There is a difference to running a and focus on being better than them. corporate PLC, to building a micro business, to James’ mature and growing family-owned mid-sized businesses.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 23 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Curt Boon Ben Briguglio Head of Production Production Engineer Adder Technology IMI Precision Engineering

I started my 25 year career in UK manufacturing as a technician apprentice What I most enjoy about my role is the variety from day to day. I enjoy the with white goods manufacturer Hotpoint. I’ve always had a keen eye for different challenges I face and being able to problem solve to provide solutions. emerging technologies, which nowadays means digital transformation and My achievements and highlights include successfully completing my technical opportunities to build on the foundations of Industry 4.0. I’m a big believer apprenticeship and becoming a valued member of my team. I have also recently in people engagement and team-based continuous improvement, inspiring completed a foundation degree course in mechanical and manufacturing employees at every level of the organisation to have a voice and participate in engineering with distinction, and plan to complete a top-up course to become projects. I also believe in continuous personal improvement, in my early days a Bachelor of engineering. My career in engineering started with a desire to achieving a HNC, then an honours degree, and most recently I started a distance know and understand how products and components work together to create a learning MBA course. moving assembly. This was spurred on by visits to The Black Country Museum, RAF Cosford and The Imperial War Museum. Something else you’d like to tell us? My first car was a 1966 Hillman Imp which I restored from a very sorry state My favourite manufactured product when I was 16. I still own the car today, although it’s been off the road, cosy in The Swiss Army Knife. Developed during the 1890s, Swiss soldiers used it to open my garage, since I got married. tins and bottles and to service weapons. Today, with advanced materials, designs and capabilities, it is still used by millions of people at home, for leisure and at work.

Peter Bruch Gabriel Brueckner Managing Director Design Engineer AE Aerospace Climate Edge

When I was a child I loved Lego, Meccano and Scalextric. I progressed to I am motivated by design challenges that require a very functional and repairing bicycles and lawnmowers, before working on motorbikes and cars. pragmatic approach, and projects that produce a clear ethical benefit. Most Engineering and manufacturing was the only choice for me. There is nothing of my work is based around resolving issues like planned obsolescence and better than being able to proudly say, “I made that” or “The company I work waste, while working towards equal opportunities and the future of food and for makes that”. I firmly believe that UK design and manufacturing can beat agriculture. It has led to winning the German Federal Ecodesign Prize and any other country in the world, and after many years working in SMEs and the national runner-up for the James Dyson Award. My work at Climate Edge multinational corporate businesses, I put my money where my mouth is by focuses around the agile product development of a low-cost IoT weather purchasing two struggling manufacturing SMEs, turning them round and station, and utilising 3D printing (FDM) to manufacture functional pilot helping them to grow. products that are deployed all over the world.

If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... My favourite manufactured product Keep calm and keep going. Believe in yourself and what you’re doing, even if It has to be the Monotype Caster: a late 19th Century, fully-mechanised system everyone else has doubts. that turns molten lead into letters arranged readily for the letterpress. It is absolutely amazing and was used well into the second half of the 20th Century.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 24 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Michael Higgins Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Ford Motor Company

When Michael Higgins graduated from engineering colleague sidled up to him book when conceiving this project Cardiff University, having studied and said Michael had “absolutely zero and there was some doubt whether it mathematics and physics and receiving chance” of having any future career with was even possible,” he said. “Rather a joint honours degree in both, he was, Ford, adding: “We’ll give you as many than having people manually update like many, unsure about what do next. transferrable skills as we can and then the data that was going into our In their own words you’ll leave and go on your merry way.” simulation models, we automated He took some time out to think more everything.” What is your favourite carefully about his career, safe in the Seven years later, and despite a fleeting manufactured/engineered knowledge his education would afford flirtation with a career in teaching, he’s “You look around our manufacturing product? many promising opportunities upon his still with Ford and has risen to become sites in 2019 and there’s robots a senior manufacturing engineer at the The car. Having said that, working in return. everywhere and everybody seems to company. “I must have done something high-volume manufacturing exposed me trust them, and they do a fantastic right. I was making big savings and to some interesting pieces of automation He began working in an electric motor job for us. The SymSim project seems changes to the way Ford were running that in themselves are amazing feats of design company, which he says he to have done the same thing for their lines.” engineering. enjoyed, but it wasn’t until he received simulation.” a phone call from his former university, What advice would you give to where he had been on a Knowledge Michael recently completed another Michael said SymSim has reduced project titled SymSim (Symbiotic your younger self? Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme Ford’s analysis time from 30 hours Simulation) of which he feels most proud. Don’t doubt yourself. I spent my first with Ford, that his career really took off. to just 20 minutes, achieved through He said its processes revolutionised years in manufacturing doubting whether collaboration project with simulation Ford’s constraint management system, I had the skills and background to be an “I thought it was just going to be an software company Lanner, HSSMI and enabling the company to improve effective engineer. Hard and soft skillsets informal conversation, but it turned out the University of East London. production efficiency. are clearly important, but my background to be a panel interview,” he said. “I completely ripped up the rule in mathematics and physics, and therefore logic, allowed me to approach problem “I was very honest and said I hadn’t solving differently. really considered where my career was going to lead, but I was always Tell us something people may not very interested in manufacturing and know about you process improvement. I got the job and “ I love a challenge and learning new went from there. I jumped into the Ford I must have done something right. I was things. I invest in a new hobby each engine plant, just down the road from making big savings and changes to the way year and last year was skydiving. This where I was living.” Ford were running their lines. year it’s scuba diving. On his first day, a somewhat brusque

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 25 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Andy Carroll Ben Carter Head of Manufacturing Engineering Project Manager for Operations, Airbus TSP Engineering

I have spent more than 20 years working within Airbus across their space and I started my journey in engineering as a fabricator, learning my trade from the commercial aircraft divisions, in manufacturing engineering, operational and bottom up, constantly wanting to learn new skills and techniques to improve. project management roles. Since moving into leadership positions 10 years I was promoted to supervisor at 20, manufacturing manager at 22, before ago, and gaining an MBA, I have embraced the consistent drive for change, moving on to projects at age 24 - a huge learning curve in such a short space of specifically around changing mindsets and ways of working. Developing future time. My greatest professional achievement was gaining a first in my business leaders is a passion and helping them to understand where they can improve, management degree. I did it while managing my full-time job and a family life and then supporting them on that journey is something that is a big motivation. with two young hyperactive boys. It’s these two boys that challenge me daily to The leaders of tomorrow need a similar set of qualities as the leaders of today: be the best version of myself that I can be. integrity, an open mind, respect and drive are the key ones for me. If I wasn’t a manufacturer, I’d love to be... My favourite manufactured product A postman or in the SAS. A postman in the SAS would be ideal, although I’m not The A380 is an amazing piece of engineering. I also love the iPhone or Dyson sure the carefree life of a postman would be the same in the SAS. vacuums. More recently, I’m really liking the Mitt Wearables lightweight prosthesis, a fantastic piece of design and engineering which will impact the lives of millions.

Darren Cavan Adrian Chell CEO Plant Director Oxley Group ZF Lemforder UK

I have been involved in engineering and manufacturing my whole working life. I joined ZF Lemforder UK in 1998 as a graduate manufacturing engineer before Even as a young boy I would take things apart and put them back together, just progressing to supplier quality engineer, project manager, quality manager, so that I could understand how they worked. It began 29 years ago with a four- and site manager. I’ve been plant director since 2017. I am passionate about year mechanical apprenticeship building submarines. I then moved to Oxley operational excellence and driving improvements with strong team and and began my 25-year journey through the company covering many roles, leadership ethos. It’s a really exciting time to be involved in the revolution of initially as an instrument technician, to finally becoming CEO in December our industry. Data-driven decision-making and the ability to change direction 2018. An inspiring leader needs to be respected; you cannot be an inspiring quickly are crucial to success, which is only possible if your team have the leader without that. Empowerment is the key to success, allowing the team to same qualities, so having the skills to coach and develop the team must also be deliver success. in your toolbox.

If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Never give up, set your sights on what you want and keep focused, even I’d offer the same advice a previous boss gave me: “If you can’t measure it you through the tough times. Working well with others and being flexible at all can’t manage it”, and “What gets measured gets done”. Also, let your creative levels of the business will lead to success. side out more often.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 26 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Paul Jones General Manager, Morgan Furniture

Paul got his start in the world of Paul went on to spend 11 years as Paul later returned Morgan, as the manufacturing when he accepted Morgan’s production manager, driving company GM in early 2019. an industrial placement programme adoption of his award-winning Lean and at Morgan, a furniture designer and Continuous Improvement Programme, “I’d always kept up a close relationship manufacturer in Hampshire, in 1999. before stepping away to work as a with Morgan, passing on any In their own words consultant in operational excellence knowledge I might have gained along “My two favourite academic subjects to a range of sectors - most notably as the way. What is your favourite were business studies and design a Lean Six Sigma senior advisor within engineered/manufactured and technology,” he said. “But I was the government-backed Manufacturing “I’ve joined at a really exciting time. product? unsure which degree would allow me Advisory Service (MAS), and latterly Our potential is there to expand in the market sectors we’re currently The Mazda MX-5. I have one myself to develop within both. I then found with a large accountancy firm. holding, and into other new sectors and it’s something that I really enjoy. a four-year course studying furniture as they emerge. We’re building an It’s very simplistic but it constantly production management. “I remember feeling I didn’t know apprenticeship plan and engaging reminds me of the simple joy that anything outside of Morgan, I with colleges in the area who’ll bring engineering can bring. “The industrial placement year was needed to go out and do something spent at Morgan, which not only else. Consultancy was a great way students around to see what we do, One interesting fact about fuelled my passion for manufacturing, for me to work with lots of different and what manufacturing is about. yourself that not many but also offered me a career path.” manufacturing sectors using the Internally, we continue to seek the best people know? same lean principles to build up my ways to develop all of our employees, as people are at the heart of Morgan.” I love to keep fit. I have liked running Starting out as a student engineer, Paul knowledge base.” since I was a schoolboy and often fell under the wing of the company’s compete in cross-country and road management team who encouraged races. I prefer cross country races him to devise lean manufacturing as growing up and training in hilly processes, which Morgan has to this Durham has given me a competitive day continued to implement. advantage on the hills. “I spent time in every single part of the “The industrial placement year was spent If you weren’t in manufacturing business, and the managing director at Morgan, which not only fuelled my passion what would be your dream job? actually gave me free rein to suggest I love cars, so if I wasn’t in improvement projects as part of my for manufacturing, but also offered me a manufacturing my job would have to be degree. career path. car related. To be a touring car driver would be a dream. “I could not have asked for more support from the management team.”

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 27 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Stephen Cloute Neal Collishaw Quality Technician Operations Director Focus-SB Worldwide Fruit

I joined the engineering field after coming out of university with a Bachelor’s Improvement is something that has always inspired me, from when I was Degree in Contemporary Fine Art, which allowed me to complete Focus-SB’s a young aspiring footballer, to developing my career by starting at the very graduate training programme. My favourite part of art was the process, how bottom with no qualifications. I have developed a talent for leading change, things are done/made, and that transitioned easily into manufacturing and and betterment drives my passion and gives me confidence to challenge. I engineering, to work on process improvement and other aspects of quality. enjoy being around people and being able to influence them to make good My greatest achievement so far, is the speed with which I picked up these decisions, and these skills enabled me to make the transition from logistics to working processes, learning manufacturing and working techniques around the manufacturing. Leading the Worldwide Fruit Spalding site to being awarded the business, getting to know them inside and out to find ways of improvement to first Fresh Produce Gold Status for Marks & Spencer is a standout achievement benefit us and improve our products’ quality. for me.

If I wasn’t a manufacturer, I’d love to be... My favourite manufactured product An artist exploring materials, using my new knowledge of manufacturing The TPS (Toyota Production System). It originally propelled Toyota to great techniques to create industrial works. I would display them in galleries to help success, but can now be found throughout the manufacturing world. A truly others get into the scene. special piece of engineering greatness.

Austin Cook Mark Cooper Lead Technologist (Emerging Technologies Managing Director and Systems), BAE Systems JJ Churchill

Discovery and invention have always been a passion of mine. From a young age, My career has spanned the aerospace supply chain, from working for raw family members with engineering backgrounds encouraged me to explore material stockists, a forging company, a number of sub contract aero-structure and discover how things worked. Today, I’m able to pursue my passion in my manufacturers, to my current role managing JJ Churchill supplying high- role within BAE Systems air manufacturing. I started here as an apprentice, value critical engine components. Working for JJ Churchill for the past four eventually taking a role in the manufacturing technology team. We are years, I have overseen extraordinary order book growth. It has grown from charged with driving innovation into our manufacturing operations to £7m, stretching seven months into the future in 2015, to £200m today with a improve business performance and differentiate our products and services horizon 10 years out. Tens of millions of pounds’ worth of investment in capital in the marketplace. I have been lucky enough to work with and lead teams equipment has repositioned JJ Churchill as a volume aero-engine turbine and of outstanding engineers that have successfully introduced advanced compressor component supplier. automation and digital technology into production. If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... I work across Europe with aerospace suppliers and have to rely on their English Spend more time building a strong network internally and externally, to communicate. So maintain and improve your foreign language skills. exploring different approaches to innovation and best practice for exploiting technology across industry.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 28 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Ayesha Lumsden Project Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover

It was witnessing her mother bear before embarking on an operational Before long the Loughborough the burden traditionally shared by management scheme with Vauxhall. University graduate was made a project two parents that first instilled an engineer, and latterly cabin engineer, indomitable spirit in a young Ayesha “I was selected through a rigorous which sees her responsible for the Lumsden. application process to fill one of three design and delivery of parts on future In their own words positions on Vauxhall’s management vehicle lines. She is also on track to reach In her father’s absence, Ayesha’s scheme. I undertook placements chartered status within 12 months. What is your favourite mother became the central figure in across Vauxhall’s Luton plant in engineered/manufactured her childhood, teaching the would-be manufacturing engineering, supply “The biggest challenge I face is really product? engineer that there was nothing in life chain, health and safety, production what I’m doing now, I’m responsible Self-driving vehicles. As an automotive preventing her from getting ahead. and maintenance. This also included for parts on future vehicles. I’ve moved engineer, I already have a passion for time in the press, paint and body shop from a quality role, dealing with issues new technology and feel that self- “She is my biggest inspiration, and general assembly.” around warranty, to dealing with driving cars will change the future of undoubtedly. It was just me and ultimate responsibility for design, transport forever. It’s amazing to be her growing up and I saw her doing While at Jaguar Land Rover, Ayesha manufacturing, and fitting. It does in the industry that is driving such everything around the house - repairs, served under the interior trim team give me a chance to use my extensive massive change. DIY and maintenance. I learned early as an engineer and problem solving product knowledge, which is nice. It’s on that women could do just what engineer within the Castle Bromwich a huge challenge and we work to very Please give one interesting fact men do. She convinced me there were plant, working on carpets, load spaces tight deadlines, but it’s really worth it about yourself that not many no limits because of my gender, that and doors. when it all comes to fruition.” people know. I could do anything. My mum was I spent four years as a licensed door definitely a massive role model, the supervisor, or ‘bouncer’. I liked the way she handled everything.” reactive element of the role, having to think on the spot. It’s energising, Ayesha is a mechanical engineer for having to manage risk. Jaguar Land Rover, with much of “ her career spent in the automotive I learned early on that women could do just If you weren’t in manufacturing industry. She got her manufacturing what men do. (My mum) convinced me there what would your dream job be? break with the Ford Motor Company It would be something to do with back in 2015, working as a special were no limits because of my gender, that I animal rescue. I’ve always loved vehicle engineer. could do anything. animals and I really can’t stand hearing about them being in danger. From there she moved into vehicle integration with the car manufacturer,

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 29 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Andrew Davies Rachel Doyle Financial Controller Technical Manager Pryor Marking Technology Boston Scientific

Working in manufacturing means that every day offers new challenges and I intended to spend a few years in manufacturing learning about the impact of most of those are not what you studied at university. Being part of a company design and then become a chemical engineer, but the variety of roles I enjoyed that sells around the world with a subsidiary in France and a new one in the meant I never looked back. I discovered lean and continuous improvement, US means that you have to relearn everything you thought you knew for a which I am incredibly passionate about. I get a massive buzz out of delivering new country, market or product. The ability to deal with local challenges and results and developing people along the way. I also spent time working for the become the company expert in something that you didn’t know about a year Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), supporting manufacturers to grow. I ago is the real joy of working in manufacturing globally. Setting up a company still run a best practice club, and the messages about how these meetings have and trading in the US has been the most recent challenge. The next one is easy: impacted members’ businesses make the late nights organising them worth it. Brexit. If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... What qualities must future leaders have? Trust your gut instinct and act on it, even when that is hard. Leaders who want to inspire in manufacturing need to follow a simple mantra: demonstrate by doing. All the jargon, plans and best intentions in the world are for nothing if you lack credibility.

Joe Dunn Kevin Edwards Operations Strategic Capability Coordinator General Manager BAE Systems Naval Ships Sony

Hearing comments such as, “That’s the way we have always done it,” drives me I consider myself fortunate to be part of an organisation that successfully to try to implement real change within our business. Having come through promotes continuous improvement and technological innovation. As general the apprenticeship programme as a pipefitter and then through supervision, manager (engineering) at the Sony UK Technology Centre, I find myself I have a real understanding of the incredibly important, yet difficult job that surrounded by a team of dedicated and often extraordinary engineers pursuing our operations team have. This drove my career down a path with a focus on solutions to provide the next breakthrough in competitive manufacturing. implementing cultural change. I spent two years in business improvement, The past three decades have each offered differing challenges, although it’s then recently returned to operations working directly with the front line. We probably fair to say the current rate of change due to connectivity, both virtual measure and manage the capability strategy for the operations staff, providing and physical, offer remarkable increases in business performance. Whilst training to upskill our team while offering support and advice. being challenging to deliver, it’s a great time to be a manufacturing engineer.

Something else you’d like to tell us? If I wasn’t a manufacturer, I’d love to... A few years ago, I completed my science fiction novel 324, a real labour of Operate a repair workshop, renovating family heirlooms, repairing treasures love. I have always had a passion for writing and had poems published. I am from days gone by. I’m sure it wouldn’t pay much, but it might just be good for currently working on a series of children’s books in my spare time. the soul.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 30 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Jane Langton Press Engineer, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK

The question of ‘why?’ has continued was really hands-on too. I had a go at a stigma, but I do think times are to drive Jane Langton’s curiosity since welding, milling and turning. All the changing and things are getting better.” she was a child. From interrogating practical experience really helped her parents about the function of a cement my understanding.” Jane’s decision to undertake the household device as a small girl, to Nissan graduate scheme was rooted breaking down social stereotypes Jane’s parents have also been in the structure and opportunity it In their own words at university and in the workplace, instrumental in forming her attitudes promised and because it meant she could continue living in the North East What is your favourite her natural inquisitiveness and love as a young woman, removing the where she had bought and renovated a engineered/manufactured for all things tech are the essential notion that there were any boundaries property while studying. product? ingredients for a career in the world of preventing her from reaching her true manufacturing. potential. My favourite engineered product is the Alongside her career, Jane inspires smartphone. I also have a lot of respect Jane serves as a press shop engineer for “We don’t have any engineers in the the next generation of manufacturers for all the engineering feats of William Nissan in the North East of England. family, but my parents never said it was in her hometown by discussing her Armstrong, he was so far ahead of his She graduated from Northumbria something I couldn’t do. They told me, enthusiasm for STEM subjects in time and had a big impact on the North University with a Master’s degree ‘If you want to do it, work hard and you school. East. (MSc) in Mechanical Engineering, can do whatever you want’. “I think the importance and impact Please give one interesting fact before embarking on a graduate of STEM across all industries and the about yourself that not many scheme with the car manufacturer in “Whenever I’ve faced discrimination, opportunities it can present is often people know. 2016. they said, ‘Just rise above it, just keep going’. I’ve been frustrated at times. overlooked. If you’re interested in Something people may not know about But before all that, she encountered As a woman - whether at university, STEM and apply yourself, it doesn’t me is that I used to work as a princess, a a certain product design teacher at A on placement or coming into work - matter what your social identifiers superhero and even an elf at Christmas. Level who inflamed her appetite for the you kind of have to prove that you’re are.” If you weren’t in manufacturing career that was still ahead of her. competent at the job. There’s still what would your dream job be? “He was completely open to anything. An equestrian athlete. It requires Obviously, as a girl, I was in the something else for your teammate to minority of people doing those sorts be half-a-tonne of horse, and it’s one of of subjects. But he was like, ‘Yeah, let’s the only sports where men and women As a woman...you kind of have to prove that you’re make whatever you want, the world’s “ compete against each other. I’m lucky that your oyster’. He couldn’t care what competent at the job. (But) I do think times are I balance my career at Nissan with owning your background was. If you wanted to and training my young horse, Morris. changing and things are getting better. do it, he would support you. Everything

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 31 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Michael Fahy Jonathan Fenton Product Engineering Manager CEO & Founder Exyte Hargreaves FeTu Limited

Ever since I was young, I have had a keen interest in how things are made. For many years I felt that work was nothing more than a means to an end - a Often my Christmas presents wouldn’t make it to the end of January mortgage, a car. Since developing my own engine in late 2015, I have started without being deconstructed. At the age of 16, I started an apprenticeship in each day feeling that after 35 years in industry I am finally performing the role toolmaking, focusing in particular on wax pattern injection moulds. I was for which I was meant. The sense of achievement shines through the highs and fascinated with the whole process, in addition to the tools and skills required to the lows, but the challenge of proving the impossible is the thing that drives manufacture an array of products from multiple industries. Since completing me hardest. Inspiration comes from the desire to make a difference, a positive my apprenticeship, I have assumed various roles along my 22-year journey. In environmental difference. UK manufacturing needs to respect its innovative recent years, I returned to university aged 34 to complete a Masters Degree in and quality roots; with no bigger or better opportunity than the impending Mechanical Engineering. climate catastrophe.

What qualities must future leaders have? If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... They must understand that good things can take time to build, and bumps in the Keep it up son, your hard work will pay off. One day it will all make sense, and road should be seen as an opportunity to learn and not a failure. Talent is not you might just change the world. a binary attribute: working to improve a weakness is as important as utilising strengths when it comes to building a strong, professional and functioning team.

Lee Finch Marlini Finney EDM Works Manager Managing Director A&M EDM Challs International

I joined A&M EDM in 2003 as its fourth employee. I’ve progressed to I am very lucky to have had my first job in the manufacturing industry because managing 25 staff and one site as A&M has grown to over £6m turnover and I could see the diversity a career in this sector can bring. I qualified as both an a workforce of 70. I get satisfaction from solving problems and using our 28 accountant and HR professional, which has given me a unique perspective and EDM machines to their fullest capabilities. A major achievement was finding the opportunity to get involved in every part of the business. I have recently a spark erosion solution for a large nuclear panel for a French company, taken over as managing director, having previously been the business’s finance which took 10 weeks. Tomorrow’s innovators must understand engineering and HR director. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than inspiring my principles and be able to respond quickly to adopt changing technology. team to blossom and develop, as we continue to drive the business forward. They will need the flexibility to think outside the box and commit to lifelong learning. What qualities must future leaders have? Be bold and commit. Inspire passion in people about what they do. If they My favourite manufactured product feel passionately, they will excel. Know your own values and be honest with The Space Shuttle Atlantis, one of humanity’s greatest engineering yourself and others. Last but by no means least, communicate, communicate, achievements. communicate! Always remember that communication includes listening.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 32 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

David Owen Managing Director, Lintott Control Systems

David Owen qualified as a chartered It was far from easy. They had to keep the weakness of the education system management accountant but decided the business, which made wastewater in producing the engineering talent very early on that the world of systems, going while re-engineering manufacturers desperately need. He manufacturing was for him. it completely from within, developing believes countries such as China and automation software and control India, who invest heavily in technical He went on to carve himself a highly systems that would boost profitability education, pose a danger to the UK. In their own words successful career as a specialist in and give it a completely new lease on turning around failing manufacturing life. “They train exceptionally hard and are What advice would you give to companies in India, Colombia, Brazil extremely well educated. There are your younger self? and the UK. Yet the lure of doing it on They started that in 2015. Three years threats everywhere. We’ve always got Honesty, integrity and transparency his own account was strong, and by later, proof of their success came to be looking over our shoulder and will never fail you. the turn of the century he was looking in the form of a Queen’s Award for recognising we are in danger of losing for businesses he could invest in and Innovation. our edge. We’re a bit of a laggard.” What is your favourite rescue. engineered/manufactured “Whilst I had turned many businesses “You’ve got to invest in the future. You product? He was in talks to acquire Coventry around, it proved far more challenging can’t ignore it, because it is changing, My Sonos sound system - due to the Airport, and part of a cargo airline, to take on a small SME with limited and changing very rapidly. When I crisp sound and simplicity of set-up but was stranded on holiday in the US resources, but we did it. I am proud of started my career, products had life and operation. by the 9/11 attack and couldn’t meet many things over the years but working cycles measured in decades. deadlines. Many years would pass with the team at Lintott and winning An interesting fact about before he had another go. the Queens Award is probably the “The life cycle of a product now is yourself that not many people greatest achievement.” so short that you’ve got to react very know. “I never really got it out my system. quickly to pre-empt market changes. I was once, many moons ago, British And then in 2012, Lintott cropped up. David has deep concerns about the So, I guess invest in the future is my Junior Judo Champion - and I’ve led a Jamie (Jamie Thums, David’s business future of the manufacturing sector and overarching advice.” boring life ever since. partner and a Top 100 2018 alumnus) and I saw this as an opportunity to step in and really take ownership of the business, our own business, and There are threats everywhere. We (the UK) have concentrate on turning that around “ always got to be looking over our shoulder and moving it back into profit. Also investing in the business, making it a and recognising we are in danger of losing our better business.” edge. We’re a bit of a laggard.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 33 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

James Golding Duane Gregory Landing Gear Graduate Engineer Operations Manager Airbus Newfield Fabrications

I have loved aircraft ever since I was a very small child, so working on aircraft From an early age I have been interested in manufacturing, especially was a natural choice for me. It gives me an immense sense of pride when I see automation and robotics. At school, building projects and working with a product I have worked on - everything from the A320 to the A380 - come to my hands was always a priority and I was fortunate to be able to follow this fruition and take flight. Every industry has pioneers. The Wright Brothers have into an apprenticeship in robotic welding and assembly. After finishing the left a lasting legacy in our industry and in my work I aim to have my own lasting apprenticeship in 2003, I was lucky enough to be supported through a HNC influence. I love to dedicate time to inspiring the next generation through major in mechanical engineering. This has supported my growth in my roles from STEM initiatives, such as the Flying Start Challenge, a fantastic competition operator to operations manager. Working at Newfield Fabrication has exposed based in the South West. me to a wide range of technology, all supporting my development.

If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... What qualities must future leaders have? Don’t hold back, just go for it. What have you got to lose? As (legendary Tomorrow’s leaders will have to be big and bold, inspire their teams, and challenge Liverpool manager) Bill Shankly said: “Aim for the sky and you’ll reach the themselves to get the best out of others. They will require data to improve processes ceiling. Aim for the ceiling and you’ll stay on the floor”. and drive personal growth. Continual investment in knowledge and available technology will ensure correct and informed decisions are made.

Mansoor Hamayun Paul Harkins CEO Operations Resource Delivery Manager BBOXX BAE Systems

BBOXX is a next generation utility, transforming lives and unlocking potential I enjoy the everyday challenge of my role, each day brings its own experience. through the provision of affordable, reliable and clean energy. The company There are so many different things that are sent to me for help or resolution. I’m has installed 270,000 solar home systems (SHS) to date, positively impacting inspired by the really complex product we build, and it drives me to do the best I can nearly one million people across Africa and Asia. I founded the company in in playing my part. I got my career in manufacturing through luck, to be honest. I 2010 with two other students from E.quinox, a charity we started during our was brought into the business for a short-term period to assist, and managed to turn final year at Imperial College London. Today I manage a diverse team of more it into a full-time role where I’ve worked hard to do the best I can in it. than 700 people who develop, manufacture and distribute products globally. I believe the UK is one of the very few places in the world that has the people My favourite manufactured product and networks to enable our business to grow. Definitely, HMS Forth. It was the first ship in the class of the OPV (offshore My favourite manufactured product patrol vessel) programme. When I came into my role it was the first ship I had the opportunity to feel a real part of from start to finish. The Tesla Model 3. A great combination of software, high-volume manufacturing and bold leadership.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 34 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Lisa Oxnard Chief Financial Officer, Doncasters Group

To say that Lisa Oxnard is by nature which then enabled her, over six years, in attracting people into that an industrious person would surely be to work in a number of different senior environment and it’s still heavily to undersell her abilities. The self- roles outside the finance function. male-dominated, more so in the senior described “worker” has risen through a management positions. predominantly male industry over the “I’ve seen a number of mergers during course of 20 years, by forcibly stepping my career and being part of the “I feel I’ve had to step up my game In their own words outside of her comfort zone and going organisation process was something and become a lot more vocal, more beyond the typical demands of one I felt I could really put my stamp on. extrovert, which is counter to my What is your favourite working in finance. I’m curious by nature and I’ve always more natural introverted personality. engineered/manufactured sought to go beyond my CFO box, Luckily, I’ve had some really great product? Before she became the chief financial because I wanted to have a more all- mentors throughout my career who The smart phone, it’s a real officer at Doncasters Group, a round business knowledge, as opposed have given me that opportunity and gamechanger. It grants access to so precision casting, forging, fabrication to just a number cruncher,” she said. really pushed me beyond my comfort much and enables us to accomplish a lot and superalloy manufacturer zone in my roles, but also the softer remotely. headquartered near Burton-on-Trent, A self-confessed “geek”, Lisa adores skillsets required.” Lisa started her career on a finance manufacturing and said she could not Please give one interesting fact management training scheme in a envisage herself in any other industry. A staunch advocate of all things STEM, about yourself that not many division that was once part of Alstom “I just love the process and the change Lisa has during her career spoken at people know Power, now Siemens, after she decided aspect of something tangible and I’m schools and career fairs with fellow I completed my first full Iron Man in not to pursue a degree in mathematics fascinated by things transforming and female colleagues on the importance of Sweden in August 2019. I started doing at Lancaster University. She later moving.” pursuing careers in manufacturing. She 10K runs which then became a half studied for her masters in commercial said it is important for young people to marathon and then a full marathon law at the University of Aberdeen But she admits there are still some trust in their judgements and to “learn and then triathlons. I don’t know what and from there assumed a number of trials facing the industry. “UK from your mistakes and grow from comes after an Iron Man, but Marathon accounting roles that have taken her manufacturing has challenges your successes”. des Sables is on the bucket list. around the world. If you weren’t in manufacturing After a term in Germany for Siemens what would your dream job be? as part of the integration team post A maths teacher. Having the ability to acquisition by Siemens, she returned “ I’ve had to step up my game and become a lot share knowledge and craft a person’s to the UK to join laboratory supply more vocal, more extrovert, which is counter development using mathematics, that and biotechnology company, Fisher would have been a career I would have Scientific - latterly Thermo Fisher to my more natural introverted personality. opted for. Scientific – in a financial controller role Luckily, I’ve had some really great mentors.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 35 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Susan Henry Kate Holbrook Director - Calibration Development Founder & Creative Director Cummins Turtle Doves (Not Just Gloves)

I studied physics at university and became a third-generation engineer which I have always loved making things and when I had the idea for our original has made me proud. I love finding solutions and solving problems. Engineering fingerless gloves product, I knew I wanted to try and do more than just make is a team sport and achieving something together is as fulfilling as the result. gloves. All our products are made from post-consumer waste cashmere I am inspired by those around me who have strength and authenticity, those jumpers and this is what I’m really proud of. I am also hugely proud of our who are smart and brave. After 16 years I’m still with the same company, which team. I started the business, as the only maker, at a local market stall and we feels like home. I’ve been given opportunities to travel the world and develop are now a team of more than 50 people making and selling tens of thousands amazing products. Having the job I have and being able to give back to help of products every year. Knowing we are giving items a new lease of life is the with diversity and inclusion is a privilege. icing on the cake.

My favourite manufactured product Something else you’d like to tell us? The Apollo programme. The ethos of ‘failure is not an option’ should be This business started because of an accident. I had the idea for the fingerless remembered when facing impossible problems, as in Apollo, and what can be gloves whilst convalescing after our two dogs ran into me and broke my leg achieved as a team. quite badly. I call it my ‘every cloud’ story and wouldn’t change a thing now. Amazing how good can come from bad.

Sammar Javed Alex Jennings Business Development Manager Chief Procurement Officer Deluxe Beds DS Smith

My key motivation is to make use of the blessings around me and to play my My key role is to transform the company’s procurement and logistics operations part with full integrity. I am happy to team up with those doing well, while I in line with the expectations of a FTSE100 business. I attribute much of the know my support will matter to the success of many. With my current KTP success I’ve had in procurement to the six years I was responsible for the project for Deluxe Beds I have saved £1,380,081 so far, including winning bids European sales team at Rexam, where I learned to understand selling, a much- of up to £207,505 from Innovate UK, Future Fashion Factory, and the LEP. My underrated skill in procurement. As a CIPS Fellow, I am committed to help key inspiration to join Deluxe Beds was the company’s thoughtful leadership. drive the improvement of the profession. I have previously been an elected I was naïve about the manufacturing sector, but the flexibility provided by the member of CIPS Congress and for the second year running I have been selected leadership at Deluxe Beds made my journey possible. as one of Europe’s Power 30, the annual list of Europe’s most influential procurement leaders. If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Leave your fears behind, don’t be shy of your do’s and be steadfast on your Something else you’d like to tell us? don’ts. Do not restrict yourself by the fear of what others will think and say, Outside of work, my wife Sharon and I enjoy volunteering at the Kings Arms strive for what you feel is right, make your own fate. Project, providing hot food and drink for rough sleepers and those in need, acting as mentors on the Pathways to Work programme.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 36 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Brian Palmer CEO, Tharsus Group

Brian Palmer started his career as a Having been forced to adapt through fundamental part of being an advanced young graduate in the car industry. disruption, Brian and his growing team contract manufacturer. After deciding he wanted to run his looked for clients among industries own business, he bought into Tharsus, that were themselves being disrupted. “Our view is that we need to work in based in Blyth, Northumberland, long-term partnership with clients in 1997. In those days it was a back- “We were targeting industries where and that often means exclusivity plus In their own words street metal-basher making outdoor we could create new equipment, confidentially until the customer is advertising panels. new processes, new solutions which ready to publicise their advantage.” What is your favourite delivered breakthrough, and created engineered/manufactured It was very hand to mouth, and in 2008 real competitive advantage in their Once a customer has gone public with product? as the main sectors of telecom and industry sector and their bottom line. their innovation, Tharsus is able to use The anniversary of the Moon landings advertising was being disrupted by the it on behalf of other customers in non- led me to learn a lot more about the financial crisis, new technology and the “We also realised early on we needed to competing sectors. Apollo Saturn 5 rocket missions, they internet, its core products were under work with clients with similar values to represent truly incredible pieces of threat. ourselves. Clients where the leadership Brian’s transformation of the company fundamental engineering brilliance team appreciated the need to change into this new area of manufacturing and right-first-time manufacturing. “We had a choice: we could look for their business, the methodologies, the suggests leadership qualities come other products to manufacturer, to equipment needed in order to compete.” naturally to him, but he disagrees. Please give one interesting fact tender for, to keep the lights on. Or, we about yourself that not many could look to use our skills to design The standout differentiator for “When I was younger, I should have people know. and develop products for customers Tharsus was that although they created been more confident in my dealings I enjoy desert rally raid racing. When that we could then manufacture. the innovation that would drive with others. I was more comfortable something goes wrong it is all about their customers’ productivity, from dealing with technical challenges. basic practical problem solving. For all “Ultimately, we wanted to be in charge prototyping to production, the IP resides I wish I had developed some of my the technology we have at our disposal, of our own destiny, so rather than being with the customer. For Brian it is a managerial and soft skills earlier.” it is amazing what you can do with told what to make, at what price, we ratchet straps, tie wraps and duct tape! wanted to add value. We wanted to work with progressive customers who needed If you weren’t in manufacturing help solving complex problems. what would your dream job be? I was more comfortable dealing with There was a time when I thought I may “ “And through solving these problems technical challenges. I wish I had have to leave my role and at that time I and designing solutions we would would have headed to the mountains to differentiate both ourselves and the developed some of my managerial and work as a mountain guide. customer, and the customer’s customer.” soft skills earlier.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 37 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Mike Jessop Akshan Jirasinha Director/Founder & CTO Renewables Project Manager Accolade Wines Moo Free

My wife Andrea and I started selling specialist chocolates online in 2004, Being born and raised in Sri Lanka meant I was constantly outdoors, which led careful to detail ingredients meticulously, as I am lactose intolerant and me to pursue a career that would sustain the great outdoors, so working for a Andrea is gluten intolerant. Parents started asking us for dairy-free chocolate degree in renewable energy made sense. Post graduation, I started working for a wind and large-scale solar farm development company, which led to the for their children and we were astounded to discover no one in the world was deployment of more than 200MW of renewable energy projects across the making any, so in 2008 we re-mortgaged our house, bought some machinery UK. Using this knowledge, I turned to the manufacturing sector to help drive and ingredients, and began learning how to make chocolate. Over the next two Accolade Wines to a more sustainable energy future. Deploying a 2.5MW on- years, we worked out how to create a dairy-free chocolate that actually tasted site wind turbine is a highlight of that ongoing journey. like quality milk chocolate, and now we are Moo Free. What qualities must future leaders have? If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Climate change and biodiversity loss is the single biggest threat to humankind. We must look to industry to champion sustainable You learn the most from your mistakes and the mistakes of others. manufacturing. Leaders of tomorrow must challenge the norm. Without inclusion of stakeholders at every level, real change will not be sustainable.

Ian Jones Michael Keogh Integrated Production Systems Manager Operations Manager Jaguar Land Rover Millers Oils

I have developed and initiated a Kaizen team at the engine plant, showing I have always and will always give 100% to my employer. I believe in strong more than 1,000 employees how to positively impact their work areas and leadership as the best basis to build a confident reliable team that will respond ultimately the business. I recently completed JLR’s Emerging Leaders to challenges. I enjoy building and leading a team that achieves the seemingly programme which included attending Cranfield University and gaining impossible on a regular basis. I enjoy working in a manufacturing environment as overseas insight in China. I am hugely proud of British manufacturing and I feel the control gives a greater sense of achievement. Good leaders must listen when JLR announced a facility that was commutable for me I instantly applied to colleagues from all sides of the business. Make sure you are seen in all areas and am proud to have had a positive impact on the brand. I started on the shop regularly, be aware of employees’ names and, especially on the shop floor, have a floor as a setter operator and that’s where I learnt what motivates people. It basic knowledge of their responsibilities. Above all else, be decisive. isn’t money, it’s about being valued and recognised. Something else you’d like to tell us? Something else you’d like to tell us? We have had an allotment for more than 10 years and grow a wide variety of fruit I lived in Australia and came back to join the police. I was working on the shop and vegetables. My wife is the brains of the operation, I’m just the labour… floor at a local manufacturer to pay the bills whilst undergoing the lengthy application process. When I went to leave, I was offered the opportunity to study for a degree, and the rest is history.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 38 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Thomas Palmer Engineering Lead, BAE Systems

Getting a young Thomas Palmer to It was while in higher education that After graduation Thomas joined Air knuckle down and finish his school Thomas’ perception of academia Products & Chemicals where he said studies was the great task for his underwent yet another transformation, he struggled with a general lack of parents. The would-be engineer, who when the young engineering student autonomy around the design process, as a young man excelled at maths and embarked on a series of summer school before subsequently accepting another physics, often neglected academia, placements that further crystalised his role in design authority for BAE In their own words opting instead for sporting activities, love of the craft. Systems. despite pressure from home. What is your favourite “Every summer, through the “The role was in support and test engineered/manufactured Then, just as he was ruminating on which university, I managed to get an equipment and was very diverse. It product? direction to take his education after affiliated placement. It was actively was everything that wasn’t in weapons The APKWS rocket. It’s a very clever sitting his GCSEs at 16, Thomas attended encouraged by the university who had systems, and it was great for my system which basically turns a dumb a school seminar on engineering, and the good links at the time. development to understand a diverse rocket, for want of a better word, into a rest, as they say, is history. range of challenges and technologies.” laser-guided missile. “I worked first with Network Rail, and “They really sold it to me,” he said. then Jaguar Land Rover, and finally Thomas is now BAE’s engineering lead Please give one interesting fact “Once I heard that you could move at BAE Systems and I managed to providing governance and coordination about yourself that not many your career towards things that fill my summers with different work in developing the Spearfish Torpedo. people know. interest you, which in my case was experience.” I recently became a father so when I’m technology, that’s what pushed me into not working at BAE Systems, I’m often engineering. awake at 4.30am with a new-born baby who is wide awake and who just wants “It had always been a battle getting to play. me to sit with my books in front of the fire. But my parents were very keen If you weren’t in manufacturing for me to get a vocational career and “ what would your dream job be? engineering really ticked that box. Once I heard that you could move your career I have in the past volunteered in They’ve been very supportive.” towards things that interest you, which in my conservation, providing engineering expertise to anti-poaching Thomas attended college first before case was technology, that’s what pushed me organisations in Africa. I think my subsequently enrolling in an engineering into engineering. dream job would be doing something in masters programme at university, where that area full time. he also continued to nurture one of his favourite pastimes, playing rugby.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 39 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Akeel Khan Tim Kibble Engineering Manager Plant Director, Callaly Personal Care Limited ZF Lemforder UK

I feel very privileged to be a part of the Callaly family. The opportunity I’m an ex-GKN engineering apprentice with 40 years’ experience in the to industrialise a revolutionary product like Tampliner for high-volume automotive industry. I’ve gradually climbed the ladder to director through manufacturing is a constant motivation, as it could truly bring about a positive various roles along the way. I get a kick out of exceeding on objectives with change in the feminine hygiene industry. My aspiration is to eventually great teams and celebrating success, not forgetting to recognise epic failures see Tampliner being sold across the world while being a key member in when everyone has tried their best. These are the moments where individuals that growth, ensuring high-quality standards and implementation of best and teams learn the most. I am trying to give something back through my engineering practices in manufacturing. It is also motivating to lead an efforts as an enterprise advisor with my old school and Walsall academy, and engineering team while playing an active part in their development and being a NED on the Black Country Skills Factory. fostering future talent within UK manufacturing. Something else you’d like to tell us? If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Many years ago I was fortunate - or unfortunate - to be a member of a Judo Have a greater appetite for risk. It is easier to be in one’s comfort zone, but club that trained with members of the very successfull British Judo team who the real fun is when one is outside it, facing new challenges and successfully delighted in throwing me around. overcoming them to achieve your desired result.

Jake Knight Carolyn Lee Head Engineer Systems Engineering Manager Axminster Tools & Machinery Filtermist International

I really enjoy the challenges in manufacturing: problem solving, improving I entered the advanced engineering industry at 18 as an apprentice completing machining techniques and parts can be made more efficiently. Learning my engineering degree whilst working for one of the UK’s largest car new ways of machining and passing that knowledge onto my apprentices is manufacturers. This allowed me to discover my true passion, which is the something that inspires me and which I find rewarding. My career highlight manufacture and installation of industrial plant services. I changed industry to so far has been my appointment to this role, having started as an apprentice pursue this and to be involved in developing the best systems, product, services in 2008. Thinking back, what first attracted me to making things was model- and teams to provide best-in-class solutions for our customers. I love the buzz making which I was into when I was younger. I used to make model boats and of coming to work, knowing every day poses new challenges and that I can planes from kits; then I became more interested in engineering, and the rest is influence and drive change within our business to become the industry leaders history. in air movement solutions.

Something else you’d like to tell us? What qualities must future leaders have? I built a CNC milling machine in my home workshop. It took more than a year Young pioneers are the link between the years of experience in the and I had to source the parts from different countries, but mainly from China. manufacturing industry and the arrival of new technology. Be brave enough to I really enjoy messing around on it, making different bits and pieces such as try new ways of working, whilst being humble enough to know you don’t have all engraved name plates. the answers.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 40 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Giles Salt Chief Executive Officer, M&I Materials

Like so many who take the decision make in Manchester are used, for concerning why people do what they to pursue a career in manufacturing, example, in power stations in China, do. And those skills are absolutely Giles Salt was greatly influenced by or transformers in New York, or transferrable to a manufacturing one of his parents. His father, Colin, substations in Saudi Arabia. It’s been organisation.” purchased M&I Materials from GEC quite a journey but leading the team Alstom in 1993, before later recruiting in all that we’ve achieved is something While at M&I Materials, Giles’ In their own words his son to help him transform this I’m so very proud of.” initiatives have helped company Manchester-based company into turnover soar from £8m in the year What is your favourite the successful multimillion-pound Although he could not have known at he joined, to £46m in 2018. “It’s no engineered/manufactured enterprise it is today. the time, Giles said his auditor training exaggeration to say that our growth is product? and academic achievements had served export-driven, so much so that we now The marine chronometer timepiece, The self-styled entrepreneur and him well in getting the most from export an incredible 91% of turnover to built by John Harrison in the 1760s, company CEO said working with his business opportunities. 65 countries”. was an incredible feat of engineering. father was a meeting of minds, and that This innovation in naval navigation being a “chip off the old block” meant “What I came to appreciate is that A staunch believer in bold and enabled the globalisation we know and the pair happily shared the same values the skills I gained doing a geography confident action, and the ability of rely upon today to be built. It quietly in business, and often independently degree were quite similar for what young people coming through the changed the world as we know it. came to the same conclusions when you need in accounting. You spend ranks, Giles said M&I has invested deciding the company’s future. the whole time analysing what’s heavily in its people, and unified Please give one interesting fact around you, trying to work out why it under a dynamic company vision to about yourself that not many Giles, a former chartered accountant is the way it is - whether its physical push new products into new markets, people know and geography graduate at Leeds geography concerning rivers and while protecting areas in which M&I is I run a local scout group during University, was convinced to join his coastlines, or human geography already thriving. evenings and weekends with children father’s company in 2004 through aged from 10 to 14. Children have an sheer love of the industry and the thrill uncanny knack of forcing me to keep my of a new challenge. feet on the ground. It is a perfect reality check of what is truly important in life. “It’s the excitement of building a business that motivates me and for it It’s the excitement of building a business that If you weren’t in manufacturing to be in manufacturing is even better. “ motivates me, and for it to be in manufacturing what would be your dream job? Manufacturing has that tangible A photographer. It would be a bit of a quality - products that you can see is even better. career change, so perhaps in another and touch. The industry has global lifetime. reach and I love that products we

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 41 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Trevor Leeks Simon Locke Operations Director Head of Manufacturing Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover Dyson Automotive Research & Development

I became operations director at Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood manufacturing I joined Dyson as a graduate in 1997, attracted by their reputation for creativity plant in September 2019, after six years as operations director at JLR’s £1bn and innovation. Early in my career I had the opportunity to develop a Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton. I led a cross-functional variety of novel products and technologies which gave me a passion for team to develop the state-of-the-art, world class facility, delivering Jaguar problem solving. Increasingly my work is about finding solutions to difficult Land Rover’s commitment to build its first in-house engine for a generation. manufacturing problems, initially regarding high-speed brushless motors. Before joining Jaguar Land Rover, I was head of manufacturing operations at Automotive leaders of tomorrow will need to become adept in efficiently BAE Systems in Lancashire. Prior to that I spent much of my career at Ford, managing change to keep their businesses ahead of the competition, whilst holding various senior manufacturing roles in engineering, maintenance, not losing focus on quality, reliability and safety. lean manufacturing and as an area manager responsible for diesel engine manufacture. If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Have more consideration for work/life balance. People are happier and Something else you’d like to tell us? perform better if they build in some downtime for family and activities that I’m a patron of Compton Hospice, and really passionate about building strong they enjoy. It is easy to overlook this when working in a rapidly growing and business and community partnerships. I’m committed to inspiring the next changing business generation of young engineers.

Davinder Lotay Jenny Manning Managing Director, Altimex Engineering Lead - Additive Manufacturing, & MJ Lighting Technology BAE Systems

Manufacturing has been in my blood from a very young age, when as a 10-year- I joined BAE Systems in 2007 as an advanced aeronautical engineering old I used to make mini rockets out of match sticks and sell them for profit. I apprentice. I completed a three-year engineering apprenticeship, followed by am passionate about STEM and lifelong learning. One of my ambitions is to get a degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, graduating with a First-class more youngsters involved in STEM subjects as there is a large skills gap that honours. I have been fortunate to collect numerous accolades; UK National needs to be filled. I’m a strong believer in sharing knowledge in order to help Apprentice Champion of the Year, Royal Academy of Engineering Rising Star, others grow. People from different walks of life inspire me with their ideas for as well as WES Top 50 Women in Engineering. I love being at the forefront of the challenges I face as a leader within my organisation. establishing, developing and introducing new manufacturing methods, like additive manufacturing, into our military aircraft programmes. If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Set life goals and never give up. Travel more. Do what you want to do and never Something else you’d like to tell us? mind what others think. What you do twice becomes a habit so be careful of I am half-Chinese. My mother escaped Vietnam during the war at 15. She is what habits you form. Never base any decisions on fear. a fantastic role model, always encouraging me to be the best person I can be, academically, professionally, physically or personally. She inspires me to make a difference and not take things for granted.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 42 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Darren Sloan IT Director, Premier Foods

Darren graduated from Bournemouth said, “has been to refocus Premier and a lot of the automation tech University having undertaken a Foods’ IT strategy to be business-led, is starting to come to fruition. We business studies degree that involved a concentrating on end-to-end service to delivered five robots in finance and one-year industry placement. Darren drive better IT service, reduce cost and we’ve now saved money in terms of selected Manor Bakeries, home of the reinvest in innovation to provide digital improved overall business efficiency.” Mr Kipling line, as his host company, capabilities for the business to leverage.” In their own words and his career in manufacturing was A keen advocate of all things STEM, born. With more than 25 years under his Darren also finds time to sit on various What is your favourite belt in IT and manufacturing, Darren advisory boards where he regularly engineered/manufactured “Being one of the old polytechnic has been on the frontline of many campaigns for a wider discussion on product? universities, Bournemouth was more significant changes within the food careers of the future, as well as the I’m a real technology advocate, so for vocational, more hands-on, and getting manufacturing industry. In truth, industry more generally. me the iPhone is a technical success. It’s that sort of industry experience was he probably tried and tested first very user-friendly, it benefits daily life part of the reason the sandwich course the various iterations in technology “In my opinion, STEM skills are critical and is just generally a cool product. stood out for me,” he said. that would, in time, become common for our industry and for our country to practice for most - before spending succeed. There just aren’t the blogging Please give one interesting fact Ever since, Darren has remained nearly a decade managing Premier jobs out there every aspiring teenager about yourself that not many within the consumer-packaged goods Foods’ SAP programme. is now after. I’ve been part of IGD’s people know (CPG) sector, leading change in a (The Institute of Grocery Distribution) I once appeared on the TV show business and technology environment More recently, Darren has been tasked Feeding Britain’s Future, where I Dramarama in my teens. It wasn’t a very he describes as increasingly with implementing a unified complex regularly visit local schools because I big part, but who knows where it could demanding and ever-evolving. IT infrastructure, and overseeing a shift am passionate about this area.” have led? into robotic process automation (RPA). Darren is now IT director at Premier “We’ve introduced RPA successfully If you weren’t in manufacturing Foods, in St Albans, Hertfordshire, what would your dream job be? which is responsible for such much- As a child I always wanted to be an loved household names as Sharwoods, astronaut and I’m still fascinated by Ambrosia and Bisto. STEM skills are critical for our industry and space. But realistically, with the surge “ of AI now, I would love to be part of He is responsible for all IT budgets, for our country to succeed. There just aren’t the AI innovation as the next age of IT team management, support and the blogging jobs out there every aspiring emerges and the lines blur between IT development of IT systems, service and other business functions. delivery and infrastructure. teenager is now after. “My most recent challenge,” he

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 43 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Chris Martin Martin McKie Lasting Specialist Senior Engineer - Business Improvement Dr. Martens Jaguar Land Rover

I love the culture that comes with working for Dr. Martens. There’s something My parents encouraged me to study engineering so I went to Teesside about mastering the skilled jobs in shoemaking that gives me a sense of pride; University and achieved a BEng, MSc and PhD. I later achieved chartered to look at a finished product knowing that I had a part in making it. A highlight status with the IMechE and in recent years was awarded IMechE and IET of my career so far would be earning the respect of people who are far more Mentor of the Year, IMechE Volunteer of the Year and was identified as one of experienced than me and have worked hard to get where they are today. Their the Professional Engineering Magazines Rising Stars in 2019. I have worked knowledge and skill is invaluable, and to be able to have the opportunity to in a variety of manufacturing roles, initially for an SME manufacturing learn from them, and in some cases teach them, gives me a real sense of pride. sand casting, then for Nissan as a casting quality engineer and joined Jaguar Land Rover five years ago as a supplier quality engineer at the Engine If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Manufacturing Centre. Learn from your mistakes and work hard for what you want. It’s important to develop good communication skills, which means learning to listen and learn. If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... The key to success is to be happy. Family, health and happiness are the three most important things in life.

Richard McKie Jayne Moorby Quality Assurance Engineer Marketing Manager Envision AESC Oxley Group

I spent the first five years after graduation working on large-scale engineering I’m responsible for marketing at Oxley Group, an advanced manufacturer in projects for AMEC. For the last seven years I’ve worked in battery aerospace and defence. I’m a DIT export champion, and use my experience to manufacturing for Envision AESC (formerly part of Nissan). My early role help others on their export journey. I’m on the steering panel for Made Smarter, as quality engineer included carrying out detailed analysis and identifying helping North West SMEs beat the productivity challenge through the adoption countermeasures to early launch issues to ensure zero critical incidents of Industry 4.0 technology. Passionate about people, I’ve championed cultural throughout the product life, which has been successfully achieved to date change at Oxley through improving engagement, communication and providing on 24kW, 30kW and 40kW batteries, with approximately 22.5 million cells opportunities for advancement. I believe in giving back to the community and manufactured in the UK alone. I was actively involved in development and I organise and deliver programmes supporting young people in Cumbria with testing for the recently launched 62kW Nissan Leaf battery pack. employability and STEM skills.

What qualities must future leaders have? My favourite manufactured product Recognise that innovation is not always about coming up with something As a music fan - the record player. It started life 150 years ago, giving the public absolutely brand new. Very minor changes to already established products or widespread access to music and many core elements of the design haven’t processes can have a massive impact. Encouraging all staff to think this way will changed. It almost disappeared with the growth of CDs and MP3s, but nostalgia create a more innovative culture within an organisation. and demand for high-quality audio have given it a glorious comeback.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 44 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Georgina Stalker Project Engineer, TSP Engineering

Georgina is undoubtedly one “I could have stayed on at school, but I “It would be great if more women came of manufacturing’s shining wanted to learn the hands-on skills as into the industry either on a shop floor apprenticeship success stories well as theory and that’s something you or office level. I’ve never had any issues - demonstrating that, in certain simply can’t pick up in a classroom,” within my male-dominated career, circumstances, you just cannot beat she said. “My dad is a quantity surveyor all of the lads respect me because the practical shop floor experience a in the nuclear industry and while he they know that whenever they come In their own words conventional degree programme might never forced me towards a certain into the office with a problem, we can struggle to match. career, he always told me engineering usually work it out together and come What is your favourite was a good path to pursue.” up with a way forward. I can talk to the engineered/manufactured At 16, she decided not to pursue A fitters, fabricators and machinists and product? Levels, opting instead for a three-year Georgina maintains that her combined we’re all speaking the same language.” It would have to be the aeroplane. NVQ apprenticeship in mechanical NVQ theory knowledge, and the Gen2 It’s amazing how much we take it for design with Gen2, a City & Guilds hands-on training was “invaluable”, Georgina’s passion for manufacturing is granted. institute of advanced technology, and giving her a general grounding in infectious, making her an almost perfect at that time she was the only female engineering and exposing her to basic ambassador for anyone considering a Please give one interesting fact applicant in her class. electrical skills, bench-fitting and career in the STEM subjects. about yourself that not many assembly work. people know. Georgina was immediately snapped up “The hands-on apprenticeship I was diagnosed with coeliac disease six by Cumbrian-based TSP Engineering In her present role as project engineer, approach might not be for everybody, years ago, which means I cannot eat any as a junior in the company’s design Georgina oversees approximately 40 but it has really benefitted me. I really gluten, wheat, oats, rye or barley, as the office. She continued her training to fabrication, assembly and machinist do get up in the morning and look small intestine would become inflamed achieve a Higher National Certificate staff in a predominantly male- forward to coming to work – which is and therefore unable to absorb any and Higher National Diploma before dominated environment. something not everyone can say!” nutrients. As long as I stick to a strictly finally going on to receive a Bachelor of gluten-free diet, I go about my day Engineering honours degree in nuclear perfectly normally! operations with the University of Cumbria earlier this year. If you weren’t in manufacturing I’ve never had any issues within my male- what would your dream job be? Today, she is one of TSP’s project “ A veterinarian. I would love to work with engineers, overseeing shop floor teams dominated career, (but) it would be great animals. This was always my dream job tasked with constructing high-tech if more women came into the industry when I was a little girl, until I found out machinery for the nuclear and defence how vets help cows to give birth! industries. either on a shop floor or office level.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 45 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Stephen Trollope Co-Founder & CEO, The Temporary Kitchen Company

They also saw the hardship faced by new to them and you’re effectively The Temporary Solutions Group is those without recourse to washing asking them to take on a completely a success largely because Emma and and cooking facilities during such new concept. That’s precarious and Stephen seem to embody enterprise restoration projects and in 2014 insurance companies are extremely and innovation, and because both are founded Temporary Solutions. risk-averse people to work with. prepared to adapt and change when it In their own words is necessary. “It didn’t even enter our heads that “But on the flipside, if it hadn’t been What is your favourite it might be something we couldn’t so difficult, we could not have grown “I believe leaders need to have a single- engineered/manufactured do,” Emma said. “But because what sustainably. We were able to grow the minded determination to succeed,” product? we wanted to do was so unique and business at a rate that was affordable Emma said. “This must also be coupled because there was no one else to go to to us and when we came across a better with passion. It is important to be It would have to be the supercar. I for advice, we had to do it ourselves.” way of doing something, we could decisive, knowing there can be a few don’t really mind which make and adapt.” wrong decisions before the right one is model. The pair set about designing and made.” Please give one interesting fact building custom kitchen and bathroom It undoubtedly requires of a person about yourself that not many units to specification, inside trailers or tremendous courage to risk all they In 2018, The Temporary Kitchen people know. as portable hubs. To date, the husband have achieved in life for the sake of Company, one of the couple’s business and wife duo have financed production a single idea. So much rests on its ventures, was awarded the Queen’s During my GCE O Levels at the age of of 12 basic units that they manufacture success. More so when the person they Award for Enterprise: Innovation. 16, I was diagnosed with severe dyslexia themselves, while building their love most is prepared to do the same. and assessed as having a reading age customer base and ensuring their of an 11-year-old and a writing age products are properly insured and of a 12-year-old. As a result, I would regulated. definitely say don’t let any form of disability shape you. “Transforming an idea into a business If you weren’t in manufacturing is the hard bit,” Stephen said, “and that what would be your dream job? takes a level of risk, to move away from “Transforming an idea into a business is the one’s comfort zone where you accept Working towards a ‘dream job’ would hard bit and that takes a level of risk, to things like zero salary next month have been personally detrimental and, as because you’ve left your job.” move away from one’s comfort zone where a result, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would have ignored opportunities you accept things like zero salary next month “The insurance companies were an that came along had I pursued just one because you’ve left your job. - Stephen enormous challenge and they still career. are today,” Emma added. “It’s brand

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 46 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Emma Trollope Co-Founder & Director, The Temporary Kitchen Company

Stephen and Emma Trollope are the architects and designers. It was and wasn’t able to function in my role mutual co-founders and directors of here where she first began to notice any longer. The GP said, ‘I see lots of The Temporary Solutions Group, an manufacturing opportunities she felt people who are stressed, but only one innovative design and manufacturing were not being satisfied. or two are in your state. If you don’t company providing “pop-up” kitchen change your lifestyle by the age of 40, and bathroom facilities for those “For me, the interesting part of you’re going to be dead’.” In their own words engaged in insurance claims and working for a manufacturer was renovation projects. being at the heart, the coalface of my “That really forced me to re-evaluate What is your favourite organisation, working with architects my life and what I wanted from it.” engineered/manufactured The pair also happen to be husband on specification. I could just see how product? and wife. many things they were doing could be After a frank discussion with a career The watch. The intricate precision of a massively improved. But because I was advisor, Stephen turned his back on the stunning timepiece and its production At university, they each studied in sales, seeing that through could be corporate world and resolved to retrain is fantastic. business and product engineering very frustrating.” as a tiler and plasterer, founding SD before heading off into their respective Plastering. Please give one interesting fact fields. After her degree, during which Stephen was facing trials of another kind. about yourself that not many time she spent a year-long industry The mounting pressures of work were Emma and Stephen bought and people know. placement at Imperial Chemical becoming intolerable and had begun renovated several properties together I’m a lead singer in a covers band. We Industries (ICI), Emma spent the next seriously impacting his mental health. that were then used by their local do things like Blondie, Stereophonics, 17 years working in sales for two major council as social housing for people The Jam, Florence + the Machine. construction manufacturers. “I actually had a breakdown where I coming into the UK to live. sort of hit a brick wall fairly severely If you weren’t in manufacturing Stephen, on the other hand, went into what would be your dream job? software sales for big corporations like I have many diverse interests that I General Electric (GE) and Symantec. would love to have been able to pursue, Both rose to the top of their games, such as tennis, music and interior surpassing sales targets amid an “ Leaders need to have a single-minded design. However, my ultimate dream increasingly pressurised corporate determination to succeed. This must also be would have been in veterinary science. environment. coupled with passion. It is important to be Emma’s education and vast industry decisive, knowing there can be a few wrong knowledge helped elevate her within her own organisation at the time, decisions before the right one is made. - Emma putting her in close quarters with

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 47 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Maurice Mosley Jason Nicholson Founder Managing Director Trojan Plastics Unicut Precision

The bathroom industry has been my life for the past 45 years, taking Trojan My manufacturing life began in 1982. After completing four years of training, I Plastics from producing 200 baths a week to now almost 6,000. As a mainstay of took the plunge and started my own business. At the age of 24 and armed with manufacturing in Huddersfield, I am still extremely proud to employ 170 people £5,000, Unicut Precision was born. Our first premises was a double garage who are from the local community, but also to continue to invest in equipment in New Barnet, with equipment comprising a couple of second-hand Cam and our team, so we can dominate in the global market when it comes to great Autos and an old milling machine. The milestones have been many - from the quality baths for all customers and end consumers. I have grown the business first employee, to now getting on for 50 staff; from our first new machine at through pure commitment, endeavour and determination - with these qualities £60,000, to this year’s investments topping £2.2m; from our first export order, you will survive, no matter what. to now shipping to three different continents.

Something else you’d like to tell us? If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... I recently celebrated my 90th birthday. I played professional rugby for Technology changes rapidly, so be on top of your game. Research your market Huddersfield YMCA back in the 1930s and 40s and have been heavily involved and invest wisely. Build a strong diverse team and invest in them too. Stay with the YMCA ever since, helping build the new clubhouse and acting as focused, be patient, think outside the box and be bold. chairman until last year. I’m slightly too old now but I reckon I could still give it a good go!

Linzi O’Brien Robert Orr Production Manager Manufacturing and Packaging Director Subcon Laser Cutting Howden Compressors

I started working at Subcon Laser, one of the UK’s largest and longest I believe the successful completion of my modern apprenticeship was the established laser cutting companies, as a clerical trainee when I was 17 springboard to my current successes and to date I recognise this as my greatest years old. I was fascinated by the work that could be produced using laser achievement. The manufacturing industry appealed to me as it resonates with cutting systems and quite quickly progressed into production control before my personal beliefs and motivation. The ability to work hands-on, with technical eventually being offered the role of production control supervisor. I am standards, the influence of resources, capital and budgets all ignite my passion currently employed as the company production and accounts manager and and personal ambition. I am excited by the opportunities that technology will thoroughly enjoy my role in an ever-changing, fast-moving manufacturing bring to the manufacturing industry in the UK and empower the next generation. environment. Due to the rate of change of markets and new technology, a fearless agility will be essential for the leaders of tomorrow. What qualities must future leaders have? People will need the skills to adapt to working with both humans and robots. Something else you’d like to tell us? Smart factory technology will become the norm and tasks currently performed I was captain of the Scottish under 14 football team. Many of the fundamentals I by humans will eventually be done robotically. Advice I would give to my learned during this period remain with me in my working life as I believe personal younger self – work harder at school. success is underpinned by a fantastic team ethic. Sport remains a major passion of mine.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 48 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Murray Thomson System Design Authority, BAE Systems

Murray Thomson always knew he in 2008, becoming a fully-fledged the Institution of Engineering and wanted to be an engineer. “I’d been member of the Underwater Weapons Technology (IET), a privilege he ranks around engineering whilst growing team in 2011, working on the Spearfish as one of the greatest achievements up – my father ran his own NDT heavyweight torpedo for the Royal Navy, of his career to date. It has been on a (non-destructive testing) consultancy. then rising through the ranks to become steady trajectory upwards since then. I enjoyed making things and warhead and firing chain coordinating In their own words understanding how things worked.” design authority and then qualification “I am also acutely aware of the control account manager in 2016. industry-wide age/demographic void What is your favourite Even so, he was unsure which direction and am a keen supporter of developing engineered/manufactured his love of engineering would take him, For all his obvious success, the fact a young and diverse workforce. The product? so he studied for a Master’s degree that he didn’t learn pure engineering at engineering industry relies on these The reusable Space X Falcon 9 rocket in Sports Engineering at Bath, which school or university meant that he had guys for our future!” system. The ability to design, develop gave him a grounding in materials and much to learn on the job. and prove such a complex disruptive applied science, and that did at least Murray believes young people not only technology in such a short space of draw him into a year of industrial “I’ve had to learn how to apply a need to receive core STEM educations, time is truly inspiring. placement with QinetiQ’s applied generalist engineering approach to the but must also develop the leadership materials division, but he knew he challenges of my work without always skills our volatile, technologically One interesting fact about wanted more. appreciating the true intricacies. This disruptive future will demand. yourself that not many people then developed my ability to rely on know. “When I left university, I lacked other people (which doesn’t come “Resting on our laurels and doing things I’ve been a sponsored skateboarder, a the clarity of direction that might easily as an engineer) and manage the ‘the way we’ve always done them’ is house renovator and the resident office have come with more a discipline- resources available to me.” a dangerously static approach to any doughnut disposal unit. specific degree such as aerospace, industry. Innovation, dynamism and rail or automotive engineering, but Perhaps he is too modest. In 2015, flexibility truly are the differentiators that If you weren’t in manufacturing gravitated towards a large business he became a Chartered Engineer at allow us to drive engineering forward.” what would be your dream job? in a historical centre of naval I think I’m in the right place! engineering – Portsmouth - with a I find my job the perfect balance of reputable graduate scheme. The job interesting, engaging, challenging and has continuously offered me new varied. It allows me the opportunity to challenges, so 11 years later I’m still Innovation, dynamism and flexibility truly do all the non-work things that I enjoy here!” “ and provide that elusive work-life are the differentiators that allow us to drive balance. That large business is BAE Systems, engineering forward. whose graduate scheme he joined

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 49 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Lewis Pepall Rhys Phillips Finance Director Electromagnetism Scientist Cameron-Price Airbus

Aside from a couple of years, I have always worked in manufacturing. Crucially, I’ve worked at Airbus since 2009. My research interests are in the field of I like the idea that the end game is a physical product put to good use. What electromagnetics, with current research being oriented towards wireless manufacturing in the UK will look like in the future is uncertain. We need to be power transfer. I lead a gender diversity taskforce and foster innovation quick to adapt to the changes that will inevitably come, but one thing is for sure: through my role as an innovation catalyst. I’m an honorary lecturer at Cardiff people will always need products, so why not manufacture them in the UK? At University, vice president of public relations for the non-profit organisation a personal level, I have always enjoyed change. Whatever the reason for it, the European Young Engineers and an ambassadors’ council member for the satisfaction I get from implementing change successfully is huge, a real driver Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. I’m also an award-winning science for me. presenter and an experienced radio broadcaster.

If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... What qualities must future leaders have? Do not assume that just because someone speaks with authority they know Young pioneers should foster “Intrapeneurship” and support those who what they are talking about. Nine times out of ten they don’t. Analyse the facts, take these initiatives. This will help stimulate innovation and employee come to your own conclusion and don’t be afraid of being wrong. engagement. They will also need good communication skills, be able to manage culture change and learn not to take themselves too seriously.

Edvardas Poska John Pozzoli Manufacturing Manager Production Engineering Manager Princes Foods Crowcon Detection Instruments

In the past 10 years I have had an incredible personal development journey I started work with Crowcon as a service engineer, then moved into a with Princes Foods. I started as a production operator in the early days, but production engineering role and then to managing the department. Production quickly took various opportunities to move forward and develop myself. I engineering is the hub of all great manufacturing. Being able to lead a team knew then how important it is to be heard as an employee, so when I stepped of production engineers really allows me to make a difference to how overall into manager’s shoes, I listened. It helped to build a strong team with the most production works and flows. Building the team has been a personal highlight important value and trust. I enjoy every minute working with people and seeing at Crowcon, as has running a successful apprenticeship scheme. Introducing results we can be proud of. Life is an endless school and everything is possible if lean to the business, working with operators to improve the processes used, you want it. Don’t waste your time, it is never too late. taking lines from traditional manufacturing to single piece flowed lines whilst increasing efficiency and output: it has all been a true pleasure to be part of. If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Do what you enjoy and use every opportunity to move forward. Yes, there will Something else you’d like to tell us? be failures, but you need to stand up, learn from your mistakes and move on. I loved to race motorbikes and have now moved onto living vicarously through Life is an endless school and everything is possible if you want it. Don’t waste my son. My dream job would be to run my own team for my son and his friends. your time.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 50 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Sam Whitten Managing Director, Hemp Eyewear Limited

It was seeing pictures of the “great “We’ve raised a lot of money through that you can get a sustainable frame for pacific garbage patch”, an area of grants, business awards and crowd about £25. But it’s not that sustainable, floating plastic dumped in the Pacific funding, but not really via sales on our it’s a horrible frame and its mass Ocean 12-times the size of the UK, eCommerce store. It was really hard to produced in China. We now have to that set Sam Whitten on course to be a gain funding for that very reason. find what makes our product desirable, sustainability entrepreneur. beyond the sustainable or unique hemp In their own words “We’ve been talking to equity firms, factor.” He was just 22, fresh out of the but if you don’t have traction in terms What is your favourite international product design of sales then you’re not an attractive There’s no question Sam’s product engineered/manufactured programme at the University of proposition for them - you’re too is eminently saleable. He’s created product? Glasgow, when he founded Hemp risky.” a fashion item that has universal Anything which is truly unique. I Eyewear, and launched the world’s first desirability without the universal love the Be.e by Van.Eko. It’s a hemp hemp-made line of sunglasses. He says his next test is to devise a harms much of the fashion industry scooter that uses eco-energy. They campaign and price point for his is guilty of. Now the young designer is share similar values to us, and the “As a society we need to stop product that reflects its intrinsic courting endorsements from comedic quality of the build looks fantastic. using harmful plastic materials, value and persuades consumers and character actor Woody Harrelson by and industrial hemp is the most sponsors alike to view Hemp Eyewear naming a model in his Hemp Eyewear One interesting fact about sustainable, eco-friendly and diverse as a unique investment. collection after him. “I want Woody!” yourself that not many material on earth. Sunglasses have people know? been a trend in wooden and bamboo “Some consumers care about “The whole point was to try and open I love sharks and one of my goals in eyewear for the past 15 years. I thought sustainability, but there’s a certain up a dialogue with him or his people. the next five to 10 years is to swim with it would be cool to add hemp to that, price they’re willing to pay,” he said. He’s a hemp fan so I’m sure he’s going them. so I created the world’s first hemp “The market is so saturated in eyewear to love what we’re doing.” sunglasses.” If you weren’t in manufacturing what would be your dream job? From small beginnings in Coventry, I’ve always thought it would be great to he has spent the past five years be a wildlife photographer. Animals are developing a manufacturing facility “As a society we need to stop using harmful amazing and being able to travel the and design studio. Sam said his biggest plastic materials, and industrial hemp is the world filming them would be a dream. challenge to date has been to acquire funding for Hemp Eyewear and gaining most sustainable, eco-friendly and diverse commercial confidence from potential material on earth. investors.

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Howard Price Ewa Radziwon Lead Technologist Head of Product BAE Systems Callaly

I have been with BAE Systems and its predecessor company (British Aerospace) Manufacturing satisfies those who enjoy ‘doing’ things. I always had a passion since September 1978, just over 40 years ago. That must say something, for fashion – I studied fashion design and development, worked as a garment both about me and the company. The work has been very varied and never technologist and quality controller in the fashion industry for many years and boring. There have been many exciting moments, including flying on an RAF never thought that I would change my career path from fashion to the femcare Nimrod over the Atlantic during the height of the Cold War. Over the years I sector. I was the first employee at Callaly, hired by the founders to help build have developed new aluminium alloys and heat treatments, as well as doing initial prototypes of its globally patented invention. The Tampliner has won pioneering work on titanium superplastic forming and diffusion bonding. Some two industry innovation awards which is my biggest achievement to date. I’m of ‘my’ products are very visible on Typhoon and F-35 jets. That gives me a lot of proud to lead the development of a product that truly puts women’s health satisfaction. first.

My favourite manufactured product What qualities must future leaders have? The foreplanes on the Typhoon fighter jet. These are made at BAE Samlesbury Enthusiasm for the project will get others excited because they can see and feel by superplastic forming and diffusion bonding. I actually wanted to be a pilot your dedication. But passion doesn’t always get the job done. You also need and after flying on a Nimrod, I applied to the RAF. I would still love to be a commitment, the ability to stay focused on what will make you successful. fighter pilot, but my wife put a stop to that!

Mike Rimmer Alex Sashenkov Operations Director Head of Commercial Finance Brandon Medical Company Limited AkzoNobel

I graduated with an honours degree in applied chemistry from Wolverhamton I started my career on AkzoNobel’s finance graduate scheme, quickly University in 1993. I joined Brandon Medical as operations director in 2011, progressing through finance and HR, sustainability, marketing, logistics, and immediately embarked on an operations improvement programme production, sales, and most recently I was appointed as head of commercial that transformed the fortunes of the company. In 2017, I set up an internal finance. I enjoy getting hands-on with operations, especially during my time in STEM team to promote manufacturing to schools, colleges and universities supply chain where I evaluated complex multimillion-pound CapEx projects, in the Leeds City Region as part of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival in 2018 led a cross-functional restructuring project and used my passion for training, and 2019. We really need to demonstrate the many benefits of joining the coaching and continuous improvement to innovate and streamline cost control. manufacturing industry, and all the opportunities available, to the youngsters As an active member of the site’s management team, I was involved in improving coming out of education and into employment. engagement, communication and diversity on site. I was recognised by the British Coatings Federation as a finalist in the 2018 Young Leader Award. What qualities must future leaders have? Future leaders must be able to demonstrate the many benefits of joining the If I wasn’t a manufacturer, I’d love to be... manufacturing industry, and the opportunities available to the youngsters A career advisor/coach. Watching people grow, achieve their goals and becoming coming out of education and into employment. the best version of themselves is something I really enjoy. I have mentored graduates and colleagues as well as college students and I find it really rewarding.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 52 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Steve Woodhead Head of Engineering, Accolade Wines

It would be fair to say that Steve safety, before advancing to the post of asset vibration algorithms, oil analysis, Woodhead’s career within the fast- manufacturing excellence manager. thermography and tribology) to predict moving consumer goods (FMCG) equipment failure and improve plant sector is both rich and extensive. He Steve has been plant manager for availability and overall equipment is well-versed in management and Associated British Foods and later effectiveness (OEE). delivering excellence among many factory manager for Twinings. On both In their own words of Britain’s most well-known food occasions he managed production, “Joining Accolade Wines brought me and drink manufacturing companies, engineering, quality and supply chain into a new, dynamic and challenging What is your favourite and with more than two decades’ planning. industry,” he said. “The design and engineered/manufactured experience under his belt is suitably project management of our wine product? qualified to head up engineering for Today, Steve is head of engineering blending plant at our Bristol site has The 1959 Gibson Les Paul electric one of the largest wine-producing for Bristol-based Accolade Wines, been the greatest challenge of my guitar. It’s an iconic product that has companies in the UK. where in addition to managing various career, because there really is nothing been copied, updated, modified and sites for the company, he is also like it in the UK. reissued, but the original could not be “I always thought my destiny was to tasked with co-ordinating production bettered. become an engineer, the same as my and engineering resources to meet “As a result, I’m extremely proud of the father, uncle and grandfather before stringent food standards. phenomenal expertise finessed by the Please give one interesting fact me,” he said. “Steel and coal were entire engineering team who have been about yourself that not many fundamental to our industrial economy Accolade employs a computerised a privilege to work with, and among people know. and it was these aspects that seemed maintenance management system, some of the best engineers in their As a younger man I was a rock climber to start in me an overwhelming desire coupled with in-house leading-edge field.” and mountaineer. Every summer to understand and create things, and condition-based monitoring (smart I went camping on glaciers in the this desire has continually cursed and French and Swiss Alps to climb iconic motivated me throughout my life.” mountains using historic routes by legendary mountaineers. After graduating from Tameside College of Technology with a If you weren’t in manufacturing certificate in mechanical and electrical “ what would be your dream job? I always thought my destiny was to become engineering in 1984, Steve went on I would like to be a teacher in some to study mechanical engineering an engineer, the same as my father, uncle and technical subject to try and give at degree and master’s level at the grandfather before me something back - hence my passion University of Bradford. From there, for apprenticeships and engineering he spent nearly 10 years at Unilever in development. charge of production, and health and

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 53 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Saleem Shariff Duncan Steel Applications Engineering Manager Chief Technology Officer Protolabs Sellafield

I have always been attracted to idea generation and problem solving, which I’ve always enjoyed solving challenges, right from my early career as a systems is why I pursued a BSc (Honours) in product design, a course that allows engineer. Over time I’ve realised that applying that thinking to new areas innovation and creativity to exist in its purest form. I joined Protolabs to of business is what drives me to facilitate innovation and deliver outcomes enhance my understanding of design for manufacture. Working here aligns my that make a difference. I’ve worked across engineering, programme and ambitions perfectly: I get to work with customers from concept to reality, build supply chain management, but also marketing and business development. So long-lasting working relationships with them, while continuing to shape my really I’m a bit like a Swiss Army knife, which helps me bring people together professional development. Every day is a different day at Protolabs because we around key challenges. My role at Sellafield includes leading our research support many industries and innovators, which is ideal for keeping my creative and development efforts, many associated with managing, maintaining and juices flowing. storing nuclear products as we safely and securely remediate our site.

What qualities must future leaders have? My favourite manufactured product Leaders of tomorrow will need to be increasingly fluent and well-versed in From my time in aerospace, I think my favourite product has to be from a innovation - even be able to anticipate technological advancement. By being Rolls-Royce Trent engine, the high-pressure turbine blade in particular, experts in future technologies and processes, they will drive and shape the a component capable of operating in an environment above the material engineering and manufacturing world to come. melting point for thousands of hours.

Dr Elliot Street Martin Tatton CEO Projects and Facilities Engineer, Inovus Medical Volvo Construction Equipment Haulers

I started Inovus in my bedroom during my final year at Manchester Medical The key to any manufacturing success is to have people at the centre of it School, with the aim of improving access to affordable surgical simulators. My all. I’ve always been in involved in new technologies and forward-thinking co-founder and I decided that vertical integration of manufacturing, design and technologies, including our lighting and asset control system. I head up the sales would be the best way to build a sustainable business from the ground up. Carbon Trust case study on new lighting with power line technology control. Since its conception in 2012, the company has grown its base in St Helens to We won the 2018 LUX award for Industrial and Transport Lighting Project of include a wide array of manufacturing techniques including production-level the Year as the most outstanding project in the industrial and transport sector. 3D printing. The company prides itself on hiring from, and developing, the I co-lead a project to transform the existing Terex Rigid assembly into a Volvo local skills pool, and has created numerous award-winning apprenticeships in standard line. I am a member of the IET, a PRINCE2 practitioner and hold a manufacturing. bachelor’s degree in engineering management.

If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Something else you’d like to tell us? Make sure you get plenty of sleep in the first 20 years of your life, as building a I’ve always loved the water, I hold my PADI open water diver certification. I love manufacturing company alongside attending medical school and being a doctor all the aspects of equipment checks, new technologies and engineering that go is going to drastically limit the amount you will get for the foreseeable future! into scuba diving and seeing a different world underwater. To see marine life in its natural habitat is very special and a privilege.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 54 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100 EXEMPLAR

Thang Vo-Ta CEO & Co-Founder, Callaly

How did a Canadian who studied Thang showed the prototype to his then the products themselves, with support at MIT and who, after a career in girlfriend (now wife) and his sisters, and from Innovate UK. investment banking, moved to London all three agreed that Alex had hit upon to become a property developer, go on a novel idea. Ten years and seven-figure “I am such a big fan of theirs,” he said. to manufacture the first innovation sums later, Thang and his developers “We wouldn’t be here without them. to tampons in almost a century? It had patents in countries across the We have, with their support, been able In their own words all happened because of a chance world, including Australia, Canada, to build an automated machine that now makes this product, which we’ve What is your favourite conversation with a gynaecologist near Brazil, India, Europe, China and the US. named the Tampliner. engineered/manufactured London’s Harley Street. product? “We obviously needed a woman on board Thang Vo-Ta met 71-year-old Dr Alex to perfect this product,” Thang said. “So, “Of course, I didn’t grow up ever Since childhood I’ve been fascinated Hooi in London 14 years ago. Alex was I asked the London College of Fashion thinking that I’d found a tampon start- with mechanical watches featuring the expanding his practice at the time and who their most talented garment up. But there hasn’t been significant perpetual calendar complication. It’s the pair made an arrangement in which technologist was. They said, ‘Oh, that’s innovation in this area for 80 years, yet a constant reminder of the marvel of Thang would lease Alex an office space easy. It’s Eva, she’s a rockstar!’” it’s something that half the world uses. engineering that a machine on one’s he’d recently built. wrist can automatically adjust for the Ewa Radziwon, also a Top 100 awardee, “And fortune favours the brave. You leap day every four years, powered by The men became fast friends because began hand-stitching new prototypes, must be bold, never give up, and believe the natural movement of the wrist. Thang relished talking to doctors, making them even more comfortable. when no one else will. The responses we get from our users is what Please give one interesting fact learning of their experiences. One continues to drive us; that’s our biggest about yourself that not many day, Alex showed him the prototype After hundreds of user trials and motivation.” people know. for a period product he’d devised. His several false starts with developers, 30 years in gynaecology had taught Thang’s team decided to manufacture I’ve been a guest performer on the him that a more effective and hygienic Blue Peter show where I duly received alternative to the tampon, pantyliner a badge, which I gave to my then very and pad was necessary. impressed girlfriend (now wife).

If you weren’t in manufacturing “Alex had invented a two-in-one what would be your dream job? product that solved a lot of the “ problems of other products – with Fortune favours the brave. You must be I’d be a music teacher or sports coach, leaking, for example. If he saw an trying my best to inspire my students bold, never give up, and believe when no engineering problem because 70% to chase their dreams with reckless of the time a product didn’t work, he one else will. abandon. wanted to solve it.”

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 55 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Claire Thomas Andrew Wall Advanced Apprentice Head of Project Data Management Jaguar Land Rover Airbus Defence & Space (Space Systems)

I started at Jaguar Land Rover in 2016, joining the special vehicle operations I am passionate about business efficiency and the key to achieving it stems from team responsible for hand-assembling premium SV vehicles. In 2018, I how one manages the communication of data (information) across different successfully implemented a new consumable item ordering process for the entities. These entities may be internal or external, and the further you are department, which sparked in me a passion for continuous improvement. I have from the source, either geographically or organisationally, the higher the cost since volunteered to help with a major cost-saving exercise for the company, of misunderstanding. While this has led me to have a very frustrating career known as Project Charge, and I am currently working with the continuous in data management, I’m convinced that one day we will see the perfect model improvement team, helping to progress Kaizen opportunities and reduce waste. being employed to deliver seamless and meaningful data/information across My proudest achievement to date is winning the apprentice category for the the value chain, and I would really like to be part of that. 2019 Autocar Top 100 Great British Women awards. If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... My favourite manufactured product Education is as important as experience. I was truly a late developer, in my The electric car. It has challenged the automotive industry and although it early 30s before I started studying with the Open University, and it has really hasn’t won everyone over (yet), the industry is slowly evolving. Electric cars are benefitted me later in life. I wish I had done it earlier the future.

Glen Weightman Paul White Welding Engineer Spark Erosion Manager TSP Engineering A&M EDM

I spent seven years on the shop floor as a fabricator/welder. During that At school I did a specialist metalwork course which led to a five-year mechanical period, I completed an apprenticeship and contributed to the manufacture engineering apprenticeship. I progressed from there to become electrical of products for the nuclear, defence and steelmaking industries. This led discharge machining (EDM) team leader. I joined A&M EDM in 2011 to me to become the company’s welding engineer. Over the past five years, I manage their Spark Erosion work. I get great satisfaction finding the solutions have progressed through the EWF/IIW diploma with TWI, becoming an to customer requirements and the variety from working on a wide range of international and European welding engineer. During that period, I have precision components for aerospace, automotive and Formula 1. I am proud of my also gained an NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Engineering Manufacture and contribution to A&M’s growth, with sales now more than £6m. I enjoy working Incorporated Engineer status through the Engineering Council. My role also with young people and passing on 30 years’ worth of knowledge to apprentices involves the training and mentoring of apprentices. and mentoring their progression.

My favourite manufactured product Something else you’d like to tell us? The submarine. Having been involved in the manufacture of submarine I delivered my youngest daughter at home on the bathroom floor, whilst taking components, I can appreciate how impressive the design is. How such a heavy instructions from the midwife by phone. My dream job? I’m an Egyptologist so product can operate in water the way it does is outstanding. would love to make a career out of my interest in Ancient Egypt.

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TOP 100 - profiles with icons.indd 56 02/11/2019 14:46 THE MANUFACTURER TOP 100

Richard Whitehouse Sophie Williams Operations Director – UK Finance Director Handicare Accessibility Corbetts the Galvanizers

I joined Corbetts in 2005 as a 20-year-old inexperienced sales ledger clerk I am a passionate believer in manufacturing and the need for the UK to and knew I would have to work harder than most of my peers to make an strengthen its manufacturing power base once again. I think my achievements impression. I did unpaid weekend overtime to learn about each area of the come from getting teams and individuals to work together, to challenge them to business, and within five years I was promoted to the senior management do things they didn’t believe possible and to enable them to achieve those goals. team, immediately improving the bottom line by £60k a year through cost I have helped an electric motor manufacture get from a five-week to a four-day savings. Promotion to company director followed at the age of 28, making me lead-time. I have helped reduce machine set-up times from 12 hours to eight the youngest ever female director in the galvanizing sector. Now I am finance minutes. I have helped achieve a 12% productivity gain in under 12 months. The director and a shareholder, driving Corbetts forward with the most ambitious key word is helped. I helped my teams do it. expansion plan in its history. If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... If I wasn’t a manufacturer, I’d love to be... Always be the hardest worker in the room, but also know when it’s time to look CEO of everything! If I wasn’t doing what I am doing now at Corbetts the after yourself and your family. Study hard but do not accept everything anyone Galvanizers, I would be working for myself, trying to build a portfolio of tells you. Oh, and you know those first impressions? Heed them. businesses that would ultimately lead to my main aim of world domination

Jon Worrall Manufacturing Engineering Manager Thomas Wright Protolabs Global Research and Development Manager Atlas Copco I have broad and extensive experience in manufacturing, working as part of a highly organised team. A degree in mechanical engineering has really given Since leaving university in 1998, I have always been involved in manufacturing, me a good grounding, inspiring me to operate out of my comfort zone and particularly development of new products (R&D). I’m motivated and excited by continue developing my skillset. Some key achievements throughout my career the successful delivery of new and innovative products to the marketplace, and include becoming a trainer and mentor within my field. I am an ambassador by developing people and teams to work and operate to the best of their ability of operational excellence and I always try to find ways to incorporate lean and to the highest standards. I have been extremely fortunate to have been manufacturing in practise. Being part of a company that continues to test the involved in several successful projects and work with extremely talented teams. boundaries and are happy to take on new innovation is what gets me out of bed in I am passionate about developing young engineers and have been involved in the morning. developing apprenticeship and graduate programs in previous roles.

If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... If you could have a quiet word with the younger you... Don’t take criticism to heart! Learn from it and use it to your own advantage by Take advantage of any opportunity to work abroad and experience a different teaching yourself and others around you. Use it as a tool to develop your own culture. My dream job? I’d be a professional rugby player. I have actually been skills and expand the new found knowledge to develop others. on TV three times refereeing rugby matches.

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