WHY I BUILT A CAREER IN MANUFACTURING

Gillian Wilson Operations Engineering Manager, Spirax Sarco UK Supply

Gillian is responsible for ensuring parts are manufactured in the most cost-effective way, and has overall responsibility for more than 70 staff covering process engineering, maintenance, capital projects and inspection teams for machining and assembly processes within its UK supply.

She said: “I began as an engineering apprentice just over 35 years ago. Some would say that was an odd choice for a female at the time, but I did my school work experience in a bank. After a week, I knew I needed something more

Andy Edwards Group Manufacturing Director, Corin UK

“I have been in manufacturing for more than 20 years. I started at Johnson and Johnson in a regulatory role following the completion of my Physics PhD.

“I took this job because it allowed me to use the technical knowledge I had acquired during my studies in a business environment, having decided that the academic environment was not for me.

“After two years I became Quality Manager, allowing me to continue to apply my technical knowledge, now in a medical environment but more directly involved in manufacturing.

“I managed two teams, giving me my first exposure to managing and developing stimulating, and I was right. What a journey I have had to date.

“Manufacturing is the life blood of our country. There is nothing more satisfying than to be part of a team delivering products from concept to market.

“A career in manufacturing has given me scope to develop many skills, from project management and commercial awareness to managing and motivating a team. For me there is nothing more satisfying than to see an individual grow, to empower them and watch their confidence develop when they achieve something that they thought wasn’t possible.

“I’m relatively new to Spirax Sarco – I only joined late last year, but I was drawn by a truly professional company with a solid product portfolio. I have not been disappointed and am enjoying the challenges of realising a comprehensive capital programme along with working with such a knowledgable and dedicated team.” teams, something that has given me enormous pleasure over the last two decades. My responsibilities expanded to incorporate planning, procurement, health and safety and then, in 2006, I took on the role of Manufacturing Director.

“Since then I have overseen the growth of the department from about 60 people to now more than 180, helped design the facility we are in today while successfully integrating manufacturing from France and Ireland on to this site.

“I feel privileged to be in this role where no two days are the same, the growth and investment is incredible and the team I work with is driven to continue building a successful manufacturing facility in the UK.

“I have also been involved in the development of apprentices to line management as we continue to deal with one of the biggest challenges in manufacturing in the UK: the engineering skills gap, and we have some amazing success stories.

“In this current climate, where else can you be given such an opportunity, hence the reason I am still here after 21 years and why I enjoy it so much.”