Spotlight on Eddy Constant, Chief Setter at Roberts Metal Packaging
As part of our Spotlight series, we talk to Eddy Constant, Chief Setter at Roberts Metal Packaging about the importance of his role and what challenges are facing the metal packaging industry today.
About the Job…
1. What is your current job title? What are your main responsibilities and tasks?
Hi, my name is Eddy and I have worked at Roberts for 29 years, my current position is Chief Setter.
My main responsibility is to prepare the production line before the manufacturing of our aluminium containers begins. I have to ‘set’ the machines, essentially setting them up to begin with, with the correct dimensions to ensure accuracy. I’ll perform a test run on an initial batch of products as well as make any adjustments. I also undertake repairs and another crucial aspect of my role is training new recruits on our machines on the factory floor.
2. Describe your typical day (if there is one!).
My typical working day is always busy. I usually arrive at work around 7:30am and spend the day completing all the required tasks and ensuring that all the factory floor staff are okay and conducting regular checks on the machines, fixing any problems that may occur.
3. What motivates/inspires you about your job? What aspect(s) are your greatest source of a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment and pride?
One aspect of my job that I find really motivating is working with young people and our new starters. Sharing knowledge with and equipping them with transferable skills needed for a skilled career within manufacturing.
4. What do you most like about Roberts’ company culture? Which of our corporate values most resonate with you?
Something that is consistent about the Roberts’ company culture is that every team, whether it is shop floor or in the offices, everyone is friendly and supportive. I really enjoy the times that we can all come together at work social events like the summer and Christmas parties and socialise and celebrate our hard work.
5. What do you think is the most interesting part about the manufacturing process?
One of the most fascinating aspects of the manufacturing process, in my opinion, is the journey it takes. It’s amazing to see how aluminium, a seemingly simple material, can be transformed into so many different products.
6. What part of the manufacturing process do you think people would be surprised at?
I think people would be most surprised by the transformation of aluminium and tinplate from their initial form to the final finished product.
7. How has Roberts helped you in your career development since you started?
I have achieved quite a lot throughout my 20 years working at Roberts. I have had consistent training courses that enabled me to increase my knowledge, and I have more recently been promoted to Chief Setter which I am very proud of.
About the Industry…
8. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the metal packaging manufacturing industry at the moment? How can you help address them?
During Covid-10 the industry was affected by supply issues and decreased demand. However, in last few years we are seeing a wider recovery.
9. How has manufacturing changed throughout you career?
Since I started working in the manufacturing industry, I have seen an increase in more advanced machinery such as the PV15 which is a fully automatic sheet fed press which replaces lots of manual labour tasks and old machines, allowing us to produce our products at a more efficient rate.
10. What are the most important skills that school children and university students should spend time developing to set themselves up for career success? Why?
I think that all children should learn more about engineering, especially in the metal industry as it can open lots of doors in different fields.
And finally… the fun/personal stuff!
11. Who’s your biggest hero (work or life) and why?
Robertas, our technical manager here at Roberts amazes me, as he is so young with so much knowledge and experience.
12. Have you got any hobbies outside of work?
In the evenings and on weekends, to wind down, I love to watch and play snooker.
