Swindon H&S Manager hits 20 year anniversary

Nathan Thompson, Health, Safety and Quality Manager at our Swindon site has reached an amazing 20 years with the business.

He began in August 2005 as a Production Operative before moving into Design and then in November 2019 began his current role.

Reflecting on his time with the business Nathan said: “Wow; , those twenty years have flown by since I spent two weeks at Boxes and Packaging Swindon as a 14-year old on work experience (my dad was Assistant Production Manager at the time), and I spent some time working in the office, factory and design. It gave me a good taste of working life, and I really enjoyed it.

“When I left school, I got myself a part-time job at a pub whilst going to college. As I was familiar with the people my dad (who was then the Production Manager) asked if I would work through the summer holidays and help in the factory, which I did for two summers as well as my weekend job at the pub.
“After two years at college, I remember travelling home on the bus on my final day thinking about where I would start my full-time career, and my dad text me asking if I wanted to start working full time at Boxes and Packaging ‘until I got something sorted’. I jumped at the chance, finished my last shift at the pub on Sunday and started at B&P on the Monday. Little did I know I’d still be here 20 years down the line!!”

Nathan began his career working in the factory learning to set and run machines such as the Iton and Vagelli stitchers, Planet Gluer, Box King and Platen press. He used to stay a little later waiting for his lift (pre driving licence) and would help Mark, design manager, with cutting samples.

This led Nathan to making a full time move to the design department until the role of Health, Safety and Quality Manager became available.

“As much as I enjoyed the role I was in, I really fancied the job and Health & Safety was an area that was getting bigger in the business and had really interested me. I thankfully got the job, and within four months we had the pandemic on our hands! I was in at the deep end, but I think it has been the making of me in the role. We have really improved all aspects of Health and Safety year on year since.

“Over the last 12 months I have really got my teeth stuck into quality, using AssessNET to manage non-conformances as well as introducing lots of other improvements, which have proved to be a big hit with our customers and auditors!

“I have really enjoyed the last 20 years at B&P, a time when I have learnt to drive, met my partner, had a son, got married, bought a house (next to the pub I once worked in) and much more! I have met some great colleagues, and friends along the way and whilst still being in my 30’s, there is enough time to reach another 20 years!”

Josh Stell, Managing Director, Boxes and Packaging (Swindon) added; “I am very proud to celebrate the 20 year milestone with Nathan, who over the past two decades has spent time in a number of roles, and has truly found his calling as our Health & Safety and Quality manger.

“In recent years Nathan has been the spearhead at Swindon implementing significant Health & Safety improvements with persistence and unwavering attention to detail. His approach, along with the commitment of all our senior managers, has helped to create a safer working environment for us all.”
“I’d like to thank Nathan for his outstanding service, and continued dedication to the business…as well as his dedication to holding onto ‘being in his 30’s!! Thank you Nath.”