A former bomb disposal expert is celebrating 18 years of long service with Peterborough-based Safapac, in a successful and varied career spanning two decades.
City resident Chris Williams, 41, joined the specialty chemicals manufacturer as a production operative when it was established in 1998. This followed six years in the Royal Engineers’ bomb squad.
Since then Chris has worn many hats. After working as a production operative he became production line leader, packing supervisor, warehouse manager, packing manager and finally production manager. He has been in this role for nearly a year.
Chris currently manages Safapac’s manufacturing facility, mapping and planning its capacity, as well as overseeing floor managers and production processes to ensure jobs are completed on time and on budget.
“Upon joining Safapac I quickly realised I could forge a longstanding career,” comments Chris. “The company has been extremely supportive over the years, investing heavily in my training and paying for me to complete a variety of courses and qualifications. This has enabled me to move between a series of varied roles.”
In fact Safapac, which employs approximately 50 people from the Peterborough area, is reputed for taking care of its own and rewarding loyalty.
Chris continues: “In its early days Safapac was based near where I used to live in Whittlesford, Cambridgeshire. When Safapac relocated to Peterborough I followed, so the company offered a very good rehoming incentive and paid my travel expenses for 12 months before I finally moved.
Over the years Chris has developed an enormous range of skills across many areas of the business, but still feels he has room to grow.
“I enjoy my current role and it is certainly less dangerous than bomb disposal,” he says. “However, running a busy production facility can be challenging. Fortunately I have the support of a superb, dynamic team and a huge collective base of knowledge from which to draw.”
Safapac MD Barry Cornett is positive: “Chris has been with us since the beginning and is extremely talented. I’d like to personally thank him for his long years of service. He has made an enormous contribution to this company.”
Safapac is inviting young people in the Peterborough area to get in touch, as there are always career opportunities for the right individuals.
“If you are enthusiastic, ambitious, quick to learn and have an eye for detail then we want to hear from you,” adds Chris. “Working at Safapac has many perks including performance-based bonuses depending on the role, training packages and staff team building days.
For more information send your CV to caroline.rees@safapac.co.uk.
