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Production Manager Johnathon recognised for being an ‘unsung hero’ in Plastic Industry Awards

Fairgrieve Compression Moulding’s Production Manager Johnathon Hutchinson has been recognised as an ‘unsung hero’ at the business and has been shortlisted for a prize at a national industry awards event.

Johnathon has been named a finalist at the 2024 Plastics Industry Awards in a category which recognises members of staff ‘who always goes out of their way for their business.’

Having joined in 2011 at the age of 19 as a college apprentice, Johnathon has been ‘Mr Reliable’ ever since at Fairgrieves, having immersed himself in every aspect of our work.

Having served his apprenticeship under the hugely experienced Lenny Moulding (who was with the business after 48 years), he soaked up the decades of knowledge and expertise he was able to pass on.

Johnathon spent time learning each and every aspect of the compression moulding process, from product design and development, tooling and moulding compound development to product pricing, modification and quality testing.

‘Great understanding of products’

In a small close-knit management team, where every member needs to be willing to go the extra mile for colleagues and clients, managing director Barry Davidson says Johnathon just does that.

“The best question to ask would be what doesn’t Johnathon do at the business, as I can’t think of much he doesn’t get involved in on a day-to-day basis,” said Mr Davidson.

“When I joined in 2021 Johnathon was somebody who I leaned on quite heavily to get to grasps with the business as it was clear he had a very good understanding of the products, and importantly, where improvements could be made to our productivity and bottom line.

“He was factory supervisor at the time, but his role had been limited to ensuring all production lines were running smoothly, identifying any issues and solving any problems relating to production. He wasn’t being involved in discussions around where the business was heading and product development, and that was a waste of his talent and commitment to the company.”

Promotion to new roles

Mr Davidson was quick to reap the benefits of offering Johnathon a greater role.

“I asked him to become more involved in business and product development, and he threw himself into that role with great enthusiasm,” he said.

“He bought into the continuous improvement techniques and lean manufacturing methods that we adopted, helping us transform the efficiency of the production process, and played a key role in the planning and layout of a new factory floor, both of which made hugely positive impacts on the organisation and efficiency of the working environment.

“He has also worked on developing a number of new products for us, including working extremely closely with a specific client, and a compound solution specialist, to develop a bespoke compression moulded firewall bracket base is which capable of withstanding intense heat, fire and smoke for up to two hours, and has been sold in its thousands to a client in the construction industry in the past year.

“Over the past three years he has played a key role in helping us significantly improve our annual profits.”

In recognition of his contribution and expertise, Johnathon was made Production Manager of the business in 2023 – a role Mr Davidsons says he has taken in his stride.

 “It doesn’t matter what job title he has, Johnathon will come to work and help out whoever needs helping, and do what needs doing in the best interests of the business,” he said.

“He is involved in almost every aspect of the job during a week, but he does it in a no-nonsense way which has earned him the respect of his colleagues and our clients.

“He is a great example of what can be achieved by getting into a business, working hard, soaking in the knowledge that is around you, learning on the job every day, and then adding your own input and direction. Johnathon must now be one of the leading experts in his field, and he has achieved that through determination and commitment to the job each and every day.”

Awards recognise excellence

Now in its 23rd year, the Plastics Industry Awards have firmly established themselves as the forum for recognising and rewarding excellence in an increasingly competitive market. Launched in 2001, and held annually in London, this event is dedicated to rewarding innovation, sustainability and exceptional performance.

The Plastics Industry Awards are being held at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, on November 22, when winners will be announced.

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