My Story: Slawomir Socala
Production Manager
Waddington® Europe Milton Keynes
I started my adventure with Par-Pak (now Waddington Europe) in October 2005, working through an agency as a Machine Operator. I did not expect that after 16 years I would still be a full-time employee of the same company, let alone that I would now hold the position of Production Manager.
The route from Operator to Production Manager has not always been plain sailing, and you certainly don’t become a manager overnight. It has taken determination and consistent support from the company as well as people who have believed in me and given me a chance.
I have worked my way through all the main job roles within production, including Machine Operator, Grinding, Support Staff, Setter, Setter Trainer and Maintenance. I understand and fully appreciate the important role that each employee makes to our company, especially on the shop floor because I have worked in most of the roles. I would not be where I am now if I hadn’t gained thermoforming experience in every possible area of production, but what has made the real difference is meeting and learning from the other highly knowledgeable and experienced people working in operations along the way, who have generously shared their expertise and made the journey far easier.
I had the opportunity to participate in numerous courses achieving qualifications in areas such as an NVQ in thermoforming, Train the Trainer, the Management Development Programme, and many others. I also had the opportunity to visit some of our customers and subcontractors which also helped me further my career.
I cannot write about everything that I’ve learned at Waddington Europe throughout the years, because there is a lot! But suffice to say I had no idea what thermoforming was when I first started, and yet now other people value my opinion and rely on me!
I am still learning how to be a better manager, but my team at Waddington Europe Milton Keynes are helping me reach my goals every day. I’d say this is probably the most important thing to remember – that everyone, not just one individual unit contributes to final success.
I hope that my example may be an inspiration for many young people who are just starting out at Waddington Europe. Always remember that if you want it badly enough, and you have the determination to fulfil your dreams – you can go really far!