It’s the first week of our In The Spotlight interview series, and we’re starting off with Peter Crane.
What’s your role at John Pipe – and what does it involve?
I’m a Production Manager.
My job involves Team Management, Project Oversight Planning, HR, Safety, Maintenance, Training, Purchasing, Forecasting.
Before working at John Pipe – what was the most interesting or unusual job you’ve had?
Oh my, what a question! My work history is wide and varied – from working in an ice-cream shop, a bingo hall when I was a university, then into oil rig construction, quarrying and mining, aerospace, electronics and making dairy equipment. I’ve been lucky to have, for the most part, followed some of my passions for being a part of building or maintaining things. This, of course, continues here at John Pipe where I play my part in designing and making packing solutions for pretty-much everything.
How long have you been working for John Pipe?
Around 18 months now. Even on days that I know are likely to be challenging, I still get out of bed in the morning and look forward to coming in – long may that continue.
What would you say is your favourite part of the job?
My fabulous team! I cannot do what I do without their input, care and attention.
How would you describe John Pipe in 3 words?
Positive; Supportive; Encouraging
What’s the most memorable thing you’ve packed at John Pipe?
Far and away it has to be a mozzarella cooker; before I joined John Pipe, I was part of the team that built that fabulous machine. I was delighted to be asked back by my former employer to arrange the packing and shipping of the machine after it had been made. Imagine, for a moment, a machine that’s 12 metres long, 3 metres wide, 4 metres high and weighing-in at around 9 tonnes. Then try putting that in a wooden case!
I’m very pleased to hear from my former colleagues that the machine made it to its final destination intact and it is now cooking mozzarella in Brazil.
What’s a movie quote that you really like?
Not from a movie but from a 90’s TV series, Blackadder II – “Seen it, pinched it, spent it!”
What’s your favourite vacation that you’ve been on?
More of a series of business trips, than a vacation – but Sofia in Bulgaria wins my vote because it is such a beautiful city with an amazing culture and warm, friendly people.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
I have a multitude of interests outside of work – everything from cooking to aircraft to opera and art. So, when I’m not here, I can be found indulging in one or more of these things!
If you could go on a road trip with any famous person, who would it be?
Stephen Fry, I think – can you think of anyone more interesting and vastly knowledgeable to go on a trip with