People of Power Adhesives Billy Peck – Plant Manager
As we celebrate 50 Years of Innovation at Power Adhesives, we are sitting down and talking with some of our brilliant team as part of our People of Power Adhesives Series. You can read our chat with Brad Groves here, and our chat with Kirsty Butler here.
Third up is Billy Peck, Plant Manager. Billy joined Power Adhesives as an electrical engineer and has progressed with the company. During our chat, we discuss his desire to further himself and keep learning, and what he enjoys most about working at Power Adhesives.
How did your journey with Power Adhesives begin?
It started while I was working for a previous company, servicing air compressors on site. Over time, I built a really good relationship with the then Plant Manager and Service Director.
Eventually, the Plant Manager approached me and asked if I’d be interested in a role if something ever came up in the maintenance department. When it did, I jumped at the chance, and that’s how it all began.
What made you choose to stay with the company for so long?
Power Adhesives has always given me great opportunities to grow and develop. I’ve completed loads of training over the years, including earning my City & Guilds 17th Edition and my testing and inspection qualifications, both of which I’m really proud of.
The company has always supported my learning, and that’s had benefits for both me and the business. On top of that, I genuinely enjoy my work. It can be tough and demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. And the people here make it even better.
How has your role evolved over the years?
I started as an electrical engineer and quickly began learning more about the production processes, how the machinery works, and the mechanical side of things. This was new to me, having come from an electrical background.
Eventually, I became Assistant Plant Manager. That came with more responsibility and gave me a nice balance between hands-on work and office-based tasks. I looked after things like waste management, emergency lighting, and building plans, taking some of the pressure off the Plant Manager.
For the past 18 months, I’ve been the Plant Manager myself. It’s opened my eyes to a whole new side of the job, from managing the entire manufacturing plant, and making sure everything runs with minimal downtime, to overseeing all aspects of maintenance. It’s a big responsibility, from staff management and project planning to dealing with breakdowns on a daily basis. It’s fast-paced and full-on, but I thrive on it.
How would you describe the company culture in three words?
Inclusive. Innovative. Flexible.
How have you seen technology or processes change since you started?
The evolution of technology has been constant. Every year, there’s something new, and Power Adhesives is always quick to adopt better ways of working. Processes are regularly reviewed and updated to keep us operating at our best.
What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
Breakdowns! That might sound odd, but it’s when the team really pulls together. We problem-solve as a unit, diagnosing the issue, sourcing parts, and getting everything back up and running. Everyone brings different strengths to the table, and when we fix something tricky, there’s a real buzz. It’s a shared achievement and a great feeling. Having a solid relationship with your teammates makes all the difference.
Are there any mentors or colleagues who’ve had a big impact on your career?
Definitely Julia Edmeades. She’s been a huge positive influence, not just professionally, but also in terms of mental health and personal wellbeing. She’s helped me and a number of others to see the bigger picture and always encourages the business to push forward in the right way.
Where do you see Power Adhesives in the next 5–10 years?
I think we’re on the edge of something big. It feels like the calm before the storm in the best possible way. With the new ownership and fresh direction, I can see us hitting some impressive levels of production and growth in the near future.
There’s a real sense of momentum building and I’m excited to be part of it.
As we continue our 50 Years of Innovation celebrations, our next series of blogs will see us speaking with some of our colleagues about the Products of Power Adhesives.
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