Tell us about your path to Baltex.
I started in the apparel section at Courtaulds as a circular weft knitting mechanic. As well as in-house training I also did a technical training course at Nottingham Trent Polytechnic. I worked my way up through junior management and ended up as a senior fabric technologist. As the textiles landscape changed and major companies decided to move abroad, I worked on various short-term contracts over the next 15 years, including working for dyeing and finishing company Wright & Dobson from 1996-2000. I then went freelance for about three years which included working part-time for Charles [Wood, Baltex Director]. I joined Baltex full-time in 2006 as Quality Manager and I now run the Technical and Quality department across all our sites including Poland, working closely with my Quality Managers Carol Hepburn and Darren Haney, and our lab technician Kim Swaby.
What does a typical day look like?
It varies and that’s what I like about it. My tasks can include research and development, responding to new customer queries and requests, hands-on problem-solving, and liaising with our suppliers. For example I recently had a meeting with several yarn suppliers because we were looking to source new or replacement yarns for some of our current fabrics, to help strengthen our supply chains and provide a steadier cost base. I may also assist production when needed because of my previous experience, so I have quite a big, open brief.
Has it got harder or easier to maintain quality?
It is easier to manage as we have tighter controls over our internal processes so we can better manage production or any issues that may arise. For example we are putting in a new warping shed which means we can better control output, increase volume and better monitor quality in a more manageable way. Baltex’s processes are certified under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality standards to ensure our processes are legally and environmentally compliant. We’re always investing and improving to get that one per cent better.
What are your main challenges?
Maintaining standards is key, from auditing processes to training needs so we consistently create a quality product in a safe and efficient environment.
What’s the most satisfying part of the job for you?
Quite simply making a product that meets and exceeds customer requirements. If someone has an idea I will work out a way to make it happen, whether that’s in-house, a collaboration, or advising an alternative path.
I’m particularly proud of our specialised medical textiles and my involvement in developing a lightweight spacer fabric used in negative pressure wound therapy for patients such as amputees or those with large burn injuries. The system reduces the need to frequently replace dressings and draws off exudate, the fluid from wounds and infections, without the need to frequently remove dressings, aiding recovery time. We created the first samples in 2010 and began manufacturing in 2012, which is very quick for a medical product.
Even after all this time I still find working in this industry exciting. Textiles are the basis for such diverse products. Most people think of them in a clothing or fashion context but you can find textiles in the most interesting of places, and that is what I find the most interesting too.
What do you like about working for Baltex?
I like the diversity in the business in terms of the markets and materials we supply. One day it could be about supplying a 14g composite fabric and the next a meeting with a French aerospace manufacturer. I don’t know of any other company in the UK that would have that diversity. We’re not a one-stop-shop but we excel in creating bespoke products for specific customer requirements, and I’m very proud of our ability to do that.
For example we had requests from Elon Musk’s SpaceX to develop a knitted spacer fabric for their new space flight suit and a US paediatric professor to create arm and leg coverings for children suffering from Epidermolysis Bullosa so they can play safely outside. While we didn’t have the technology to create such niche materials we were able to offer technical advice and point them in the right direction.
What do you like doing outside work?
My main passion is ice hockey and I’ve been following it and watching my teams around the world for 40 years. Apart from that I enjoy watching TV and going for country walks. If I hadn’t got into textiles I always wanted to follow my brother who is a carpenter. I still enjoy doing little DIY jobs. I like using my hands and dextrous skills.
What does the future hold?
The UK textile industry has changed considerably since I started. However, Baltex’s history and expertise in producing specialist technical textiles has been beneficial for our longevity. We’re also great at innovating and adapting to the needs of our customers. Growth is continuing in our major markets of automotive, medical and aerospace, the latter because global air travel is increasing and there is demand to replace and replenish more quickly.
Internally we are also investing in new machinery to increase and expand our capabilities for our customers.
As a company we’ve developed over a long period of time and with the many skilled and experienced people we’ve got in our business I can only see us getting stronger. There is still a strong need for innovative textiles and Baltex can offer something different.
Find out more about Baltex here.