Under the spotlight:
Andy Owen, Supply Chain Manager
Learn about how about how I became employed at Building Systems UK and the multiple responsibilities my various role involves.
I talk about how Tata Steel are making incredible strives towards reducing our carbon emissions and how the industry is looking at, and implementing, the latest innovations in construction methods.
Or, you may just like to read about the day I spent in Holloway prison (as a visitor of course).
My current role at Building Systems UK is as a supply chain manager.
The responsibilities for my role include inbound and outbound logistics, purchasing of materials (including chemicals and consumables), as well as production planning and scheduling. I’m also responsible for the customer services department as well as the business improvement team.
I’ve also spent the last twelve months project managing the new office build which has been different and very exciting.
I’ve been with Tata Steel for 26 years now, I started with an agency in a temporary role, (initially for only two weeks.)
I began as a production operative and slowly worked up through the chain to where I am now. I spent most of my time in operations working as a production manager and spent three years working in the business improvement team. In February 2020, the then supply chain manager moved to a different role and I stepped into the position.
About this time, the Covid pandemic hit and presented quite a challenge to the role. I’ve worked in many areas of the business including transport and production and this has given me a very good overview of how Tata Steel functions. I feel it’s important not to get set in your ways and to keep up with new ways of doing things.
At Tata Steel we are always looking at new, more efficient, or just better ways of operating, just like myself.
I’d say my most recent achievement is project managing the new office build, although I didn’t design the building, I have been closely involved with the project through various capacities. The project involved working closely with architects and construction companies and the last twelve months has involved putting in the final touches.
We’ve gone from what was a typical 1970s square, concrete office block that was starting to age, to what is now a fantastic facility that has been repurposed from a warehouse bay. The building now features an auditorium space as well as an open plan office. The space is a great place to be for employees and customers and provides an excellent environment for people to come and find out what it is we do at Tata Steel.
It’s great that Tata Steel have given this their full backing and we now have one of the best office facilities within the business. We’ve only been in the office for just over two weeks and the feedback from employees is very positive about the space we’ve created. Visiting customers can see our products and the environments they are used in and their feedback has also been very positive. I feel that over the long-term, the new building will be a great multi-use facility for Tata Steel.
I think off-site construction is a very interesting aspect of the industry currently.
Building Systems UK have been at the forefront of this and are now becoming heavily involved with external companies helping to deliver modular projects. Tata Steel are involved with several large projects within central London.
The sometimes-challenging logistics can be so much better controlled using off-site, modern methods of construction (MMC) rather than the current ‘design and build’ way of doing things. I feel there is a big future in this.
I think most people would be surprised to learn how steel is infinitely recyclable and that the product is produced in many different grades to suit various applications.
People may be pleased to learn that the industry is becoming very innovative and really driving towards carbon reduction.
I think one of the biggest drivers currently is around sustainability. Within Tata Steel, we’ve launched Optemis™ Carbon Lite which is something more and more customers are starting to take an interest.
A good thing about steel is that it is infinitely recyclable. The production and processes for steel are very complex and this has presented opportunities for us to come up with new products and solutions and be innovators in the field. Tata Steel are looking to move to electric arc furnaces which can help to reduce emissions although these do create technical challenges with producing some grades of steel. Overall, there are a lot of challenges ahead but with new innovations and solutions, I feel the future is very exciting.
Up until a few years ago, I used to enjoy throwing myself out of perfectly good aeroplanes. Several years ago, I trained as a sky diver and enjoyed this for a while but it’s a difficult hobby to keep up within the UK due to the cloud cover.
My first jump was a terrifying experience, you’re ok until they open the aircraft door then you’re sitting on the edge of the plane, with the wind rushing by and the smell of the engine fumes hitting you, willing yourself to jump out.
Nowadays my free time is spent enjoying slightly more sedate pursuits such as cycling, gardening and generally spending time outdoors.
The job I wanted to do when I left school was very random - a Naval architect.
At the time I was fascinated with the architecture and design of ships. Ultimately my career path bought me to Tata Steel and my current role.
I spent a day in Holloway prison, I wasn’t admitted of course, as you may know, Holloway is an all-women’s prison.
A few years ago, I knew a barrister who was involved with the governing of Holloway prison. I was staying with her in London at the time and she asked if I would like a tour of the prison. I was of course curious so said ‘why not?’.
I spent a day in Holloway prison viewing the segregation areas and seeing the cells with the cardboard furniture. It was a very eye-opening experience to say the least.
