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After an incredible 30 years at Selecta Systems, Shift Team Leader Brian Smith retired this year, bringing to a close a remarkable career that has seen Selecta grow and change considerably.
Brian joined Selecta on 16th June 1996, when our extrusion department looked very different to the one we know today. Starting as an Operator before becoming a Shift Team Leader just 12 months later, Brian has been a much-loved member of the extrusion team and the wider Selecta family.
Known for his character, sense of humour and ability to talk to absolutely anyone, Brian will certainly be missed. Before he headed off to enjoy his well-earned retirement, we sat down with him to look back over his 30 years at Selecta.
When did you join Selecta?
16th of June 1996.
Can you remember what Selecta was like when you first started?
It was very different! There were only three extrusion machines when I joined, compared with the 16 machines at the company I had worked for previously, so Selecta seemed smaller in comparison.
There were fields around the site and nowhere near the number of buildings there are today. I joined around eight months after the site was established, so I’ve been able to watch it grow from those early days into what it is now.
What was your first role?
I started as an Operator, working across the three extrusion lines we had at the time. After about 12 months I became a Shift Team Leader, and I’ve been doing that ever since.
What skills have you developed most over the years?
Definitely communication and people skills. You learn how to speak to different people, manage situations and build confidence.
The technical side has changed massively too. The extrusion machines have gone from buttons and manual controls to modern touchscreen systems, while the tooling and equipment have become much easier and more efficient to work with.
One thing I always remember is Mark saying that he wanted Selecta to be a “happy ship”. I’ve always thought that’s been a big part of what it’s like working here.
Has anyone particularly influenced you during your career?
Rob Scott was a brilliant Operator and taught me a lot. I already had experience in aluminium glazing, lamination, thermoforming and extrusion before working with PVCu, but Rob helped widen my knowledge even further.
Bob Heeley has also had a big impact on me personally. He’s always been very understanding and willing to help. Sometimes it’s the little things people do for you over the years that you remember the most.
Have there been any memorable or funny moments?
There have been plenty over 30 years!
One of my favourites involved the Tool Room wash bath. I bought some rubber ducks and secretly put one in there before going home. When I came back, nobody had said anything, so I added more.
Eventually one of my colleagues came in saying, “My ducks have multiplied!” I kept adding them until he finally worked out it was me. It’s little pranks and moments like that which have made working here enjoyable.
How has Selecta changed since 1996?
It’s become much more efficient and streamlined. The machinery, tooling and dosing systems have all improved massively.
The advances in technology, particularly over the last ten years, have been incredible. The machines today are completely different to those we started with and are much quicker and easier to operate.
What have you enjoyed most about working at Selecta?
The social side and the people. There’s a really good bunch of people here, and that’s one of the reasons I’ve hesitated about retiring!
What’s the secret to a long and successful career?
Get the job done, but enjoy it along the way.
I’ve genuinely enjoyed coming to work. I’ve never really had that feeling of waking up and not wanting to come in, and that’s probably what I’ll miss most when I retire.
What are you looking forward to in retirement?
It’s a bit of an unknown at the moment! I’ve got plenty of jobs lined up, but I’m looking forward to fishing, gardening, spending more time socialising with friends and, most of all, travelling with my wife.
Brian’s Quick Five
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Favourite film? The Thing
Dream destination? The Philippines
Marmite – love it or hate it? Love it!
Finally, what has kept you at Selecta for 30 years?
The people. I’ve enjoyed the job, but it’s mostly the people who have made it for me. Being part of a family-run business and having that social side to work has meant a lot.
After 30 years, countless friendships and plenty of stories along the way, Brian was understandably reluctant to say goodbye to Selecta. His friendly nature, humour and ability to chat with anyone have made him a familiar and much-loved face across the business.
We would like to thank Brian for everything he has contributed to Selecta over the past three decades and wish him and his wife a very happy retirement filled with plenty of travelling, fishing, good company and new adventures.
