Tony Cook

Manufacturing Manager

I have worked at Orb for over 35 years since applying for a job as a gardener during my summer holidays from school.

I then undertook 4 years training and education in Metallurgy, via day release, and decided I wanted to develop my skills in Production. I became a Production Supervisor and then, Shift Manager, with responsibilities for the whole plant on my shift.

Over the years I have witnessed many changes to the site, and to the company itself, but my wider experiences in various departments within the business have given me the opportunity to be involved in dozens of projects and initiatives. I spent a three month secondment in Surahammar in Sweden and later, as part of my management development, nine months in the Cold Mill in Llanwern to gain experience of a larger facility. On my return I took the role of Production Manager at Orb Electrical Steels and then really set about learning!

As part of my development within the business, I have completed an MBA at Newport Business School and spent a year on a transformation-map project for Corus. The latter involved a team of 20 high profile employees working to improve the supply chain for the manufacture and distribution of all Corus tubes and pipes. The project led to a number of efficiency and process improvements for the business.

Building on this success, I was part of the core team that implemented the principles of continuous improvement to our business. As Manufacturing Manager, I now use these principles to encourage our teams to innovate and improve in the work that they do.