Interview with Dugdale's Angus Milborne
Angus Milborne, 26, is the latest Dugdale technical department recruit, joining the team as a technical service engineer.
Angus graduated from the University of Hull with a Masters Degree in Chemistry, and has undertaken roles in materials science, production planning, product management and quality management in polymer sector, most latterly for ImerPlast UK (formerly Regain Polymers), one of the UK’s largest Polypropylene and Polyethylene recyclers and compounders.
Angus – welcome to Dugdale and to the website!
Q: I know it has just been a few months but please tell us a little about your experiences thus far.
A: Thank you. I am indeed finding my feet at the moment – and also enjoying every minute. Everyone has been very friendly and I’m impressed with the way everyone interacts and puts the customer first. I am benefiting from a programme of in-company training and from direct mentoring from key personnel in both the technical and sales team. Further to this I’ve already established relationships with a few customers and hope that I’ve already contributed to enhancing the “quality” reputation of Dugdale Ltd.
Q: Does the role make use of your time at University and subsequent employment and training?
A: Absolutely. I trained as a polymer technologist and worked in a quality laboratory, production planning role, product management and finally headed the Quality department. All of this has provided effective grounding and the necessary skills to take on this new role and progress it to the next level. With this role being more customer facing, I can utilize the communication and intercompany relationship skills gained to good effect and which are key to the Dugdale philosophy. Further to this, my time at University and in Product management function provides an able platform for the development and product innovations at Dugdale.
Q: What was your previous job role?
A: My previous role was working for ImerPlast UK (formerly Regain Polymers) which is one of the UK’s largest Polypropylene and Polyethylene recyclers and compounders. I first started working as a Polymer Technologist formulating job cards out of waste plastic and addressing any production related issues. From here I worked through Production Planning, Product Management and eventually Technical and Quality Management. This gave me a very good overview of how a compounding business operates and the challengers it faces. As with Dugdale, this was a very fast paced business with its own unique challenges and tight customer deadlines to meet. With a strong recycling background I am hoping to further enhance Dugdale’s continuing recycling projects and work on new, up and coming developments.
Q: Which means that you have hit the ground running at Dugdale?
A: I hope so! Most importantly I am learning and understanding all about the process at Dugdale; starting with the customer requirements and capabilities, then working through to meet their expectations in partnership. With the recently acquired technologies we have available in the company’s new laboratories, the concepts are developed with the next stage generally involving the Dugdale pilot plant before moving to trials and full production. Managing the process through to completion will be my main function.
Q: And what aspect of the job are you are enjoying most?
A: I am really enjoying the reactivity of the role in this fast moving and responsive business sector. From the short time I have been here, it is quite apparent that customers demand quick answers, as they are under pressure to respond to their customers. When there is a problem or request, a solution needs to be found and seeing the process move through laboratory scale to production and then to the customer and final product, is very satisfying. Being part of the whole process from concept to completion is challenging but exciting.
Q: And what aspects of Dugdale itself do you enjoy?
A: Dugdale is a very well respected company with a strong brand and so I see part of my role as serving to strengthen those aspects even further. With customer service at the heart of Dugdale’s values I am hoping to strengthen the relationship with new and existing customers. The focus at Dugdale, however, is the very close working relationships with the customers. The laboratory, pilot plant, diverse production processes and people - Everything serves that ethos.
Q: Tell us a bit about Angus outside of work.
A: Since the age of five, I have been a very keen rugby union player and can cover most playing positions in the halfbacks and three quarter line. Hopefully I won’t be turning up at customers with any injuries! I also enjoy winter sports particularly skiing and snowboarding.
