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Fairgrieves ‘Fountain of knowledge’ Dawn Stavers shortlisted for ‘unsung hero’ prize at Plastics Industry Awards

Fairgrieve Compression Moulding’s Business Administration Manager Dawn Stavers has been named a shortlisted finalist for the 2025 Plastics Industry Awards ‘Unsung Hero’ prize.

Dawn, who worked at the business for over three decades, was nominated by her colleagues who described her as a ‘fountain of knowledge’ on the business and its history, and ‘irreplaceable’ due to her dedication.

From being the first face people see when entering reception to answering the phones and contacting customers, Dawn’s day is non-stop from start to finish – but it is a job she does every day with positivity and pride.

“Dawn is Fairgrieves through and through. All our customers know Dawn, and they all ask for Dawn specifically,” said Production Manager Johnathon Hutchinson.

“She’s been here for decades and seen some significant change in that time but has always given 100% every day she has walked through that door, and she is always positive.

“Her passion and knowledge of the business is incredible.

“She deals with everything which is customer-facing, from orders to collections and deliveries. She knows exactly what is happening each day, and weeks ahead to plan the factory schedule. She keeps us all organised, which has been crucial in recent years as we’ve been so busy.

“She’s a fountain of knowledge about the business, and there have been many an occasion where we’ve taken a new enquiry and Dawn has been able to recall, from her mind, when we have used similar types of materials, or done similar work, and it has been from years before – well before our computer records.

“It’s incredible, she has a forensic knowledge of the business and really helps us all on the factory floor.”

Minimal fuss – but irreplaceable

For Managing Director Barry Davidson, Dawn proved a reliable sounding board when he joined to lead the transformation of the business in 2021.

“When I first joined the business was struggling a little, but I knew we had a little gem in Dawn. I knew manufacturing as I’ve worked in the sector all my life, but I had limited knowledge of compression moulding, the products and the business itself,” he said.

“Dawn’s knowledge of the business and products, and the history relating to customers and orders, was essential in helping me to learn the intricacies of how it worked and what needed to be changed.

“I gave Dawn more responsibilities and she thrived. She was an asset that had been massively underused previously. She now takes part in our morning production meetings and handles anything that doesn’t happen on the factory floor.

“The great thing about Dawn is she does everything with minimal fuss, as she just sees it as part of her job, and how she can help the business succeed. She’s irreplaceable. We’d never find another Dawn, and any other business would benefit from having her onboard.”

The ‘Unsung Hero’ Award recognises those in the industry who ‘works tirelessly, who always go the extra mile, but doesn’t make a big song and dance about it.’

The winner will be announced at the Awards ceremony, to be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, hosted by comedian, actress, writer, and television personality Ellie Taylor.

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