MEET THE TEAM | Andy Yates, Production
In our first ‘Meet the Team’ blog, we’re introducing Andy Yates, who recently celebrated his 25th anniversary working at Cottam…
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Can you describe your role…
When I first started at Cottam I was just helping out with cleaning and sweeping up. As the years went on I’ve progressed, and I now help with shot blasting, gluing and dipping. My main role though is picking and packing our Amazon orders – and that’s why my colleagues now call me “Amazon Andy!”
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What do you like about working here?
It’s the people. If you work with a good team, that’s what makes you want to come to work every day.
Also the chance to improve my skills. I completed training to use the forklift and I knew that management were proud of me for doing that.
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What’s your favourite Cottam memory?
The Christmas parties! But also, I was given the opportunity to go to the McLaren factory when they were launching some paint brushes we had created for them. I was proud to go and represent the company. We met some amazing people and were given a tour of the factory; then at the end we were given a gift box which included a photo of the Cottam team in the McLaren factory, as well as one of the brushes we’d made.
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What would be your dream job if you didn’t work at Cottam?
When I was little, I used to play with toy soldiers and I always wanted to be in the army.
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What do you like doing in your spare time?
I like going to football matches. I’m a big Sunderland fan. As a reward for my 25 years with the company they bought me a season ticket for next season – I can’t wait to go and support them.
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What’s your greatest achievement?
My children and my grandchildren. I have four brilliant daughters and seven grandchildren and they are my world.
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What’s your favourite place to visit?
My favourite place I’ve ever travelled was Egypt. It was a new experience for me, as the only other place I’ve been abroad is France. It was really sunny and the people were really friendly, they treat you very well.
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If you had a super power, which one would it be?
I would like to be super speedy so I could get all my jobs done quicker!