How did you get into the industry?
My background is in production, and I’ve spent the last 26 years working for Tier 1 manufacturers, progressing through different operational roles before moving into a first line manager position.
I joined Anochrome Limited in January 2021 and since then I’ve continued to develop my knowledge through a range of training courses and development programmes. Manufacturing is an industry where you never stop learning and that’s something I’ve always enjoyed.
What’s kept me in the industry for so long is the people side of it just as much as the operational side. I enjoy working with teams, solving problems together and seeing how everyone contributes to keeping the business moving forward.
What does your day-to-day role involve?
No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role.
As Operations Manager, I oversee several key areas of the business including payroll, budgets, HR, production, maintenance, quality, technical operations, logistics, employee wellbeing and continuous improvement activities.
A big part of my role is supporting the team and making sure we continue to deliver the highest standards for both our customers and the business. I genuinely take a lot of pride in the people here and the culture we’ve built across the site.
One of the things I value most is being visible on the shop floor and spending time with the team. Building strong relationships across the business is important to me and I think that comes from being approachable and working alongside people day-to-day.
What are the biggest changes you have seen in the industry and the company since you started?
Having joined the business shortly after COVID, I’ve seen a huge amount of growth and development across the company in a relatively short space of time.
While the site has traditionally been heavily automotive-focused, it’s been exciting to see the business expand further into sectors including rail, wind, and energy. That diversification has brought new opportunities, new technologies and continued investment into the site.
One of the biggest developments has been the major investment programme completed at our Walsall facility during 2024/2025, including the installation of a brand-new state-of-the-art acid zinc plant.
Walking through the older parts of the site, you can really feel the history and experience within the business, but then stepping into the newer areas shows just how far the company continues to evolve. The investment has transformed parts of the facility through new robotic processes, upgraded energy-efficient equipment and modernised working environments.
The improvements haven’t just increased production capacity and operational efficiency – they’ve also significantly reduced manual handling for employees and supported more sustainable manufacturing practices through reductions in electricity, gas, water usage and chemical waste.
The refurbishment also included the removal of old asbestos, full rewiring works, modern cladding, underfloor heating and the introduction of a brand-new laboratory facility, which was a real milestone for the site.
It’s been rewarding to be part of that journey and to see the positive impact it’s had on both the business and the team.
What are some of your career highlights and milestones so far?
There have been a number of highlights since joining Anochrome, but being involved in the refurbishment and redevelopment of the site during 2024 was definitely a major milestone.
Seeing the business invest so heavily in the future of the facility, the technology and the people here was something I was proud to be part of.
On a personal level, I’m currently completing the end-point assessment for my ILM Level 5 Management qualification. Balancing a demanding operational role alongside a two-year course has definitely been challenging at times, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.
I’ve gained a huge amount from the qualification and have been able to apply many of those skills directly into my day-to-day role and leadership approach.
What is your favourite thing about working for Anochrome?
Without a doubt, it’s the people.
From day one, everyone at Anochrome Group, from the owner through to the shop floor teams, made me feel welcome. There’s a genuine family-run culture across the business where people support each other, work collaboratively and show respect at every level.
That sense of togetherness is something you don’t find everywhere and it’s one of the main reasons I enjoy coming to work every day.
For me, manufacturing is always about people first. The relationships you build, the trust within the teams and everyone pulling together to achieve the same goals are what make the difference.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Take every opportunity to learn and develop yourself.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek support during difficult times, because those challenges are often the moments where you grow the most, both personally and professionally.
Experience is important, but staying open to learning and continuously improving is what really helps you progress.