Testimonials

Interview with Gary Salter - Black Belt driving towards Manufacturing Excellence.

Gary Salter is Operations Manager for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions (TSS) in Tewksbury which is part of the Trelleborg Group. Trelleborg is a global engineering group whose leading positions are based on advanced polymer technology and in-depth applications know-how. They develop high-performance solutions that seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is a leading global supplier of precision seals for the industrial, automotive and aerospace markets. TSS has 4,500 employees and has 22 manufacturing plants worldwide. The Tewksbury site has 136 employees with a 5000m2 state of the art facility focusing on high value products within the Aerospace, Defence and CPI markets. TSS supplies a number of well-known sealing brands, including Busak+Shamban, Chase Walton, Dowty, Forsheda, GNL, Palmer Chenard, Skega and Stefa amongst many.

Gary is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, having trained with SigmaPro in 2009.

We talked to Gary to find out more about what he does.

GARY, WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL?

My role involves managing the manufacturing operations at the Tewksbury site, I also look after UK Logistics for our SCM function, and coordinate Manufacturing Excellence (The Trelleborg Excellence programme) across Europe, which involves looking after 3 sites, Conde in Northern France, Cadley in Derbyshire, and of course Tewksbury. The Manufacturing Excellence Black Belt role involves me running projects, helping others who are running projects, and setting up the infrastructure and training to enable our improvement activity to develop across the sites. As you might guess, extensive travel is a key part of the job.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS JOB?

I started my career as a Machine Press Operator; working for a variety of companies such as Smiths Industries, TI Group before being acquired by Trelleborg. I was promoted to Supervisor before eventually moving into a managerial position; this gave me the opportunity to become more involved in running various projects both within the UK and overseas. This led to me having the opportunity to work in countries such as Mexico and Poland, where i spent two years living and working. Continuous Improvement has always been a key part of my role and was key when I was part of the team that ran the project to move the whole site from Ashchurch into a state of the art facility down the road in Tewksbury in 2008. We managed to raise turnover and profitability and reduce headcount all at the same time! Lean Six Sigma seemed a natural progression on from these other things, so when the opportunity arose to train as a Black Belt in Trelleborg's Manufacturing Excellence programme in 2009, I took it!!!

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AT SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY?

I left school with several GCSE's, including Maths, English and Science. I have since achieved an Advanced Professional Diploma in Management Studies, and I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Management holding an Executive Diploma in Management Studies. I believe I have got where I am today through my hard work; the qualifications have been very important and have helped my career progression.

WHAT DO YOU MOST LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love the variety, dealing with people, and having to deliver results under pressure. I am a very quick decision maker and always aim to give good decisive direction to my team. I set high standards for myself, and look for high standards from my team. People would probably describe me as tough, consistent but fair, at least I would like to think they do?

WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

At times I do struggle with the politics and bureaucracy, which at times can get in the way of getting things done. Especially when it is clear that the change will improve things for the better!!

HAS THE RECESSION AFFECTED YOU?

In my opinion, the Trelleborg Group and Sealing Solutions responded quickly and correctly to the downturn in 2009. Unfortunately some plants did close and there were some redundancies, although at Tewksbury we were well placed to cope with the downturn and were not too affected by this. Over the last 12 months, business levels have recovered, and I believe Trelleborg are much stronger and more efficient as a result of the actions taken.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS GOING FORWARD?

I'd like to continue developing the role I'm doing now, and in particular get more involved in linking our manufacturing excellence programme into the strategic goals of the company. I'm really enjoying the mentoring of the excellence practitioners across our business, building teams, developing people, seeing people grow, which is what gives me a sense of achievement.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

On a personal level, I live in Ross on-Wye, however due to Trelleborg myself and the family have had fantastic opportunities to be able to live in different places, and we would certainly be prepared to move again if required to do so.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX?

I'm a big football fan, I support the Red Devils (Manchester United), who else! I have a season ticket at Old Trafford and get there most games. I also like to spend time with the family, my wife Helen and 2 boys, Ben and Brandon.

WHO'S BEEN MOST INFLUENTIAL IN YOUR LIFE?

There are 2 people that probably deserve a special mention, my mother always taught me to believe in yourself, and if you want to do something, then give it a go. On a professional front, our previous Managing Director, Gordon Roper helped develop me as a Manager, once again, encouraging the spirit to have a go and not be afraid of failing. He also made me see that a sense of urgency was important to get things done.

FAVOURITE PLACE

My favourite place has to be Elounda, a small traditional fishing village in Crete. It's so totally relaxing; the family and I have been there about 8 times.

FAVOURITE FOOD

It has to be oriental food and especially Chinese food, but no favourite dish in particular.

BEST MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE

Well, apart from getting married and having the kids, I guess it must be being at the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona in 1999, when of course Manchester United won the European cup. Two goals in the last 2 minutes secured victory for United, a fantastic night!

WORST MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE

I can't say I have had too many bad moments throughout my life; I tend to just brush things off and move on quickly if there are any. Losing my mum six years ago was pretty sad time though as she had been some inspirational throughout my life.

MOST SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF

Well, actually I am a Black Belt not only in Lean Six Sigma, but also in martial arts! I used to do Taekwondo, I became a Black Belt in and even did some teaching, but time available nowadays and age have meant I don't really do it anymore.

Gary, we thank you for your time and wish you and Trelleborg all the best in the drive towards Manufacturing Excellence.