Rachel

Production Manager

What is your background and when did you join The Group?

I've worked in production and manufacturing environments ever since I left university, starting in printing and then steelmaking - there's something I find satisfying about seeing what you've made at the end of the day! I joined Edrington in 1999 as a team leader, responsible for three bottling lines with around 40 operators.

What is your current role?

I'm now a Production Manager, responsible for bottling our blended Scotch whiskies like Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse. The role has expanded to include all aspects of manufacturing, particularly supporting our process improvement and manufacturing engineering departments, with the exciting challenge of being part of the project team that developed our new state-of-the-art Line 1 bottling line.

Sounds daunting. Do you find your role a challenge?

Line 1 has been a terrific venture.Other production management roles tend to be entirely focussed on day-to-day firefighting, whereas here I've been able to involve my team right from the design stage, and that's been key to our success. That's why I joined Edrington: there are so few successful, forward thinking manufacturing companies, so my job isn't just about the cases of whisky I'm shipping today, but next year, and the year after that. Thinking and planning for the future is a key aspect of the Edrington philosophy; here we have terrific brands that are growing, and a company that has innovation as one of its fundamental principles.

So what makes you stay?

More than anything else, it's Edrington's people that make it an exceptional workplace; there's a camaraderie and team ethic unlike anywhere I've seen. Company benefits - from the pension scheme and health care through to the annual 'Edrington Olympics' - all provide an environment where the people matter most. And we've got exceptional brands that I really believe in - there's a great pride that comes from working for a company that makes such premium single malts as Highland Park and The Macallan.