GRP Laminator at AllScope Projects
Find our more about AllScope Projects with an insight to our team members including Millie, a GRP Laminator at AllScope Projects.
We often share case studies with you, demonstrating specific projects and how we help our clients develop their product ranges and solutions using GRP.
In this series of articles, we are going to introduce you to members of our team and their job roles, as we believe the people are just as important as the product. Without the people, there would be no product!
From designers to skilled laminators, our office team to our precision engineers, every team member plays a vital role in delivering the high-quality GRP solutions AllScope Projects are well known for.
We’ll be sharing insights into who we are, what we do, and what drives us. See the faces, expertise, and passion behind our GRP manufacturing business and get to know us better.
In this article, we would like to introduce you to Millie a GRP Laminator at AllScope Projects.
Millie joined AllScope Projects in September 2024 and was new to GRP manufacturing.
In her interview, Millie demonstrated a keen desire to learn and develop a career within manufacturing. Although GRP was new to her, Millie demonstrated a real interest in learning, particularly how GRP is developed through it’s applications and the practical solutions it provides across a range of industries.
Although female workers may only account for a small percent of all workers in the manufacturing sector, they are well represented at AllScope projects across our departments. As a creative, Millie is keen to develop her hands-on manufacturing skills.
Find out more about Millie, her training and role as a GRP Laminator in our Q and A session below.
Q and A with Millie, GRP Laminator.
What brought you into manufacturing?
“I am a hands-on girl and like to roll up my sleeves and get creative. My Dad has worked in manufacturing for many years and I have always been interested in finding how manufacturing creates solutions for problems.
I decided I wanted a job in manufacturing, but was not too sure what type of materials I would want to be working with. When a saw a position for a GRP Laminator at AllScope Projects, I was keen to find out more.”
What previous knowledge did you have about GRP Manufacturing?
“This is completely new to me and a very different to the job I was in; cutting meat at our local abattoir!
When I saw the job advert I did some research on GRP and found it really interesting. As I started to look further into the uses of GRP, I started to realise how practical and widely it was used in our everyday lives. I recognised this was a material and sector that was growing and worth being involved in.
The job description detailed that this was a development role, great for people, that want to forge a career in manufacturing, so I was really keen to learn more.
Through my training I have now come to learn how intricate GRP manufacture is and the processes used to bring a product to fruition.
What training have you had so far and how has that helped you?
“The training has been great and even more interesting than I had expected.
As I said, I am a hands-on person that likes to physically see what you are creating and the majority of the training was practical on the job learning, rather than just (boring) academic work.
I have been able to see by example what works and what doesn’t work. I have been creating GRP dummy products to understand the intricacies of laying, resin application, rolling out, laminating, spray painting and polishing.
My training programme has seen me move around the production lines to understand each element from start to finish and I found laminating to be the area that I wanted to focus on.
I have now fully qualified through the training and working on love products.
What is it about GRP Laminating that you enjoy working on.
“You cannot rush GRP Lamination. You have to be precise and patient in every process as it is very time consuming.
From gels, to mixing catalyst, laying your glass, to rolling out and removing air pockets; every step is vital to ensure consistency and ultimately developing the strength and durability of the product you are making.
It is important you use the correct tools, ensure the air temperature is suitable and always inspecting every area of application to ensure you build up a strong and consistent bonding process.
There is a lot more science involved than I first appreciated and the training has really helped me to understand the importance of care and precision.
What type of products have you been working on?
All sorts!
In the video I am working on machine covers that are for outdoor use. They are used to protect expensive machinery from the elements of the weather, debris, vandalism and UV rays.
I have also worked on trainline signage posts and enclosures, as well as roller coaster parts and internal coach fittings.
The parts that go through this factory are really interesting and it’s amazing what you see that is made from GRP.
Do you enjoy working in a factory environment?
Absolutely. I’m also a people person and enjoy the atmosphere on the factory floor and working with others.
Whilst concentration levels have to be high, we all interact with each other throughout the day, supporting each other, meaning I am learning every day.
There aren’t many females working in GRP manufacturing. What would you say to other females that might be considering a similar career path?
Go for it!
If you like rolling your sleeves up, being involved and learning how things are made, this is a really rewarding role. It’s a brilliant job.
Don’t be put off by it being a male-dominated industry. We all respect each other and get on really well and we actually have quite a lot of ladies working in our production area at AllScope which is probably against the trend in the industry.
We all get on well and people respect the work you do, regardless of gender.
I’m not stuck behind a computer all day and I can be creative.
How do you see yourself developing in your career?
The wide range of products that come through the factory means there is aways something new to learn. I would like to get to the stage where I can teach other new recruits and support them through their training.
Michael Davies, Director of Operations at AllScope Projects added “We are delighted with the way Millie has applied herself and developed a great understanding of the production methods of GRP and Phenolic GRP manufacture.
Millie is a great team member, willing to learn and pays great attention to detail and we look forward to developing her career with us”.
To find out more about AllScope Projects (a Made in Britain manufacturer), have a look at our processes, videos, or call us on 01282 446330 or use our Contact Us page form