After last month’s management buyout, we took the opportunity to discover more about Glossop Cartons’ new Managing Director, Wayne Fitzpatrick, and his plans for the future.
Wayne joined Glossop Cartons just under three years ago, initially as Sales Director, before working his way up to General Manager, and more recently, to the role of Managing Director. Wayne has worked across several of our key accounts, which span the food and drink, household, automotive, pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Many of our customers will already be familiar with Wayne, but if you’re not, here’s your chance to get to know him…
Where did you work prior to joining Glossop Cartons?
I’ve worked in a number of roles within the printing industry, starting as a YTS Apprentice straight from school. After completing my apprenticeship in carton converting, I worked in structural design, reprographics and sales roles and gained a lot of experience on the factory floor which I think helped me progress into the management side, as I was able to understand the challenges and structures from both sides.
Before joining Glossop Cartons, I was Sales Director and Managing Director at the UK site of my previous company, which was part of an international packaging group, Mayr Melnholf Group.
How has the print industry changed since you began working in it?
The basics of the industry have remained much the same, but utilising technology for agility and speed are the main changes. What would take four hours in the past, now takes 30 minutes. Information can be transferred in seconds rather than hours, so it’s really helped companies advance.
Generally speaking, the advice I received as a young apprentice still remains true – stay flexible, be willing to learn and be committed.
How did the management buy-out come about?
It is something that the previous management team, Jacky Sidebottom-Every (the former Managing Director), Brian Sidebottom and myself talked about after I had been with the company for a period of time and we felt the business relationship was working for all parties.
We then started investigating the various possibilities and here we are.
What’s your day-to-day working life like?
Given the transition following the management buyout, my daily work is rapidly changing from what it was before, so I am adapting to that at the moment.
I really like the fact that every day is different. We have such a diverse customer base that no two days are the same, which keeps each day fresh and new.
What are you most looking forward to as manager of Glossop Cartons?
We are working with the wider team to identify areas of improvement and putting projects and measures in place to address these topics.
I’d also like to further develop and empower the team to help move the business forward – I firmly believe that investing in the people who work here is the best use of our resources, which is evident from the way we are upskilling and fastracking members of staff to ensure we have a more rounded and experienced workforce.
What advice did Jacky give to you?
Lots, but the main advice and guidance have been to look after the company’s money like it’s your own, and to be prepared to challenge decisions that you don’t necessarily agree with.
What is the best thing about working at Glossop Cartons?
The people. At Glossop Cartons there is a great mix of personalities, experience and enthusiasm, and I couldn’t wish for a better team of people to work with.
What changes do you anticipate seeing within the print industry in the next few years?
I feel we will see more price pressure from material suppliers as well as increased labour costs.
As an industry, we need to work hard to protect ourselves and promote the benefits of our product. And of course, the financial hangover of Covid could damage some companies. We’ve been lucky that we’ve been able to work throughout the pandemic and multiple lockdowns and, given that Greater Manchester was under additional restrictions from July last year, the team have done so well to remain committed, enthusiastic and diligent during what was – and continues to be – a very tough time.
What do you see next for Glossop Cartons?
2021 will be a year of transition so we will be working hard to support our existing customer base whilst focusing on maximising the efficiency of our supply chain. We are also working towards achieving a zero-landfill target by the end of this year. We already recycle 95% of our waste products, so we’re well on track, but we’re always looking to do better as a business and look after the environment.
We will start planning for 2022 during the second half of 2021, and we’ll be looking at widening our product offering, breaking into new sectors, and working towards becoming even more sustainable than we were this year.
