1. What is your current job role, and what are your main responsibilities and tasks?

Hi, my name is Shereana and I am a procurement and logistics assistant here at Roberts!  

My role includes coordinating international transports, often to countries such as Germany, Spain and the USA. Recently we’ve also managed some logistics with destinations like Brazil and Israel which have been a new, and fun challenge to tackle.  

In addition to transport, I also handle office packaging orders, making sure that stationery and boxes are where they need to be when the team needs it. 

 Another part of my role is being involved in our supplier audit system. This means keeping paperwork up to date, verifying certificates and supporting our supply chain in the best way possible.  

2. What do you enjoy the most about your role?

The best part of my role has been the opportunities to learn on the job. It’s been truly eye-opening to see how much goes on behind the scenes so that everything on the surface runs smoothly.  

I’ve learnt that getting products from A to B isn’t as simple as it seems, there’s a lot going on in the background. Particularly in air and sea shipments, which feels like a world within itself. There is a lot of complexity and strategy involved in these processes, and it’s an area I’m excited to explore more.  

3.What motivates and inspires you?

The variety of my day-to-day activities motivates me as I love to learn. Each day brings a new challenge to the table, and I love using what I’ve already learnt to take it on, all while building new skills along the way. It means that every day is interesting, and no two days are ever the same!  

4. What do you like most about Roberts company culture? 

The team culture at Roberts is special; it feels family orientated as everyone really takes the time to get to know one another. We’ve always had a culture that is open and welcoming to everyone so there’s a real sense of community.  

I always make sure to have a catch up with my colleagues in the day and I feel like this has only grown the sense of team spirit as we know we can rely on one another. This kind of team culture and spirit isn’t easy to come by, and that’s something I really value! 

5. How has Roberts helped you in your career development?

I started at Roberts while I was still in college, working in the production team. The experience and skills I learnt helped to give me a foundation to build on and allowed me to explore where I wanted my career journey to go next.  

Since then, I’ve transitioned in my role from the warehouse to the office which has been a great move for me. I’ve had lots of training and support, which has helped me grow both professionally and personally. The learning truly never stops at Roberts, which is one of the things I appreciate the most.  

 

6. What barriers have you encountered on your career journey at Roberts that you’ve overcome? 

One of the biggest challenges came after Covid and Brexit, when it felt like the entire industry had to learn a new way of working almost overnight. There was a lot more paperwork and new procedures that we had to wrap our heads around. Transport outside of the EU became a tricky subject and there was a lot of uncertainty around what was happening, and what would happen next.  

However, this period of adjustment brought out the best in our team. We had to rely on each other for extra support, share knowledge and work together to solve problems. This was definitely a learning curve, but one that made the team stronger and more prepared for the future! 

7. And finally, who is your biggest hero? 

I’d have to say my biggest hero is my dad. He’s been an influence on me not just in life, but also at work – he is also part of the Roberts team! 

My dad has always been an exceptionally hard worker and has encouraged me to have the same ethic. He is dedicated and skilled in whatever he does and delivers high-quality work. Seeing this has really shaped the way I approach my own role and I’m proud to work alongside him and follow in his footsteps.  

 

As part of our Spotlight series, we talk to Chris Saunders, Managing Director at Roberts Metal Packaging about the importance of his role and the challenges the metal packaging industry is facing today. 

About the job… 

1.What is your current job title? What are your main responsibilities and tasks? 

Hi, my name is Chris and I’m the Managing Director at Roberts Metal Packaging. 

My priority each day is to check-in with staff making sure they have no issues and are well supported. I spend the rest of my time on strategic planning, business and product development and customer/supplier relationship building.  

2. What motivates/inspires you about your job? What aspects are your greatest source of a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment and pride? 

Throughout my time at Roberts Metal Packaging, I have consistently sought to create a team orientated environment. I firmly believe that we operate as one cohesive team, and I am committed to supporting every colleague, regardless of their position or level. I am increasingly proud of my evolving team, we at Roberts very much envelop the whole ‘no I in team’ attitude.  

3. What changes have you seen during your career in the metal packaging industry? 

Over the course of my career in the packaging industry it has changed massively. When I was growing up supermarkets and corner shops used paper and metal packaging for groceries, and then, as plastic became increasingly popular as a packaging material from the late 70s significant changes affect the metal packaging industry. I would say that over the last decade or so there have been increasing efforts for a shift back to metal packaging as a predominant material – especially with the concerns for sustainability.  

4. What challenges is the metal packaging industry facing? 

The packaging industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly since the Covid pandemic. This crisis led to a decline in demand for health and beauty products, as consumer priorities shifted during uncertain times. More recently, the cost-of-living crisis has further influenced spending behaviours, as a result the packaging sector has had to adapt.  

Recent changes in legislation for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) have meant that the differences in fees could lead retailers to choose materials that are less circular than metal. Setting fair and sustainable EPR fees will be crucial to building a circular economy. Through our commitment to the industry, along with our active involvement with the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA), we hope to drive the necessary changes needed within EPR policies to protect metal packaging.  

5. What advice would you give to students who are thinking of joining the packaging industry? 

My key advice for anyone considering a career in the packaging industry is to bring your passion with you. There’s an outdated notion that manufacturing careers are somehow ‘secondary,’ but that couldn’t be further from the truth. At Roberts, our team’s dedication and work ethic reflect the value and impact of this industry every day. Manufacturing offers tremendous opportunities for professional growth, teamwork, and skill-building. It provides younger generations with clear paths for advancement, a diverse and inclusive environment, and a chance to contribute meaningfully to a thriving, essential field. 

6. Have you got any hobbies outside of work? 

In my free time, I am an avid golfer, however, my main passion is gardening and horticulture. My wife and I spend a lot of time in Perthshire in Scotland, walking and spending time outdoors. 

Roberts Metal Packaging took the top award in the ‘Metal Pack of the Year’ category sponsored by Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) at the UK Packaging Awards, held at Grosvenor House, London on 10 October 2024.   

Daisy Drops, created for Marc Jacobs by Roberts Metal Packaging, secured ‘Metal Pack of the Year – Decorative and General Line’ 

Roberts Metal Packaging’s compact and eye-catching Daisy Drops aluminium containers, chosen from the company’s Softline jar collection, are handbag-sized packs for perfume capsules.  

The packs are produced using advanced automated press lines and, with their smooth curves, light knurling, EPE liners for excellent sealability and simple but incredibly impactful design, combine both functionality and style.   

Roberts was tasked to design a small container that fits the perfume drops, ready for convenience and travel. It needed to be re-sealable and easy to open for access on the go and to be completely leakproof. The much-loved scent Daisy is offered in three variants, Daisy signature, Daisy Love, and Daisy Eau so Fresh. 

“We are incredibly proud to have won Metal Pack of the Year for the Marc Jacobs Daisy Drop tin,” said Chris Saunders, Managing Director of Roberts Metal Packaging.  

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and innovation of our team. The Daisy Drop tin showcases our commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions that not only meet the demands of premium brands like Marc Jacobs but also offer standout design and functionality. It’s an honour to be part of such an iconic product’s journey.”  

The ceremony was attended by over 600 packaging industry professionals with Metal Pack of the Year Awards presented by Jason Galley, Director and Chief Executive of MPMA; ceremony host and comedian, Phil Jupitus; and editor of Packaging News, Waqas Qureshi.   

As part of our Spotlight series, we talk to Eddy Constant, Chief Setter at Roberts Metal Packaging about the importance of his role and what challenges are facing the metal packaging industry today.

About the Job…  

1. What is your current job title? What are your main responsibilities and tasks?  

Hi, my name is Eddy and I have worked at Roberts for 29 years, my current position is Chief Setter.  

My main responsibility is to prepare the production line before the manufacturing of our aluminium containers begins. I have to ‘set’ the machines, essentially setting them up to begin with, with the correct dimensions to ensure accuracy. I’ll perform a test run on an initial batch of products as well as make any adjustments. I also undertake repairs and another crucial aspect of my role is training new recruits on our machines on the factory floor.  

 2. Describe your typical day (if there is one!).   

My typical working day is always busy. I usually arrive at work around 7:30am and spend the day completing all the required tasks and ensuring that all the factory floor staff are okay and conducting regular checks on the machines, fixing any problems that may occur. 

3. What motivates/inspires you about your job? What aspect(s) are your greatest source of a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment and pride?    

One aspect of my job that I find really motivating is working with young people and our new starters. Sharing knowledge with and equipping them with transferable skills needed for a skilled career within manufacturing.  

 4. What do you most like about Roberts’ company culture? Which of our corporate values most resonate with you?   

Something that is consistent about the Roberts’ company culture is that every team, whether it is shop floor or in the offices, everyone is friendly and supportive. I really enjoy the times that we can all come together at work social events like the summer and Christmas parties and socialise and celebrate our hard work.  

5. What do you think is the most interesting part about the manufacturing process? 

One of the most fascinating aspects of the manufacturing process, in my opinion, is the journey it takes. It’s amazing to see how aluminium, a seemingly simple material, can be transformed into so many different products. 

6. What part of the manufacturing process do you think people would be surprised at?  

I think people would be most surprised by the transformation of aluminium and tinplate from their initial form to the final finished product.  

7. How has Roberts helped you in your career development since you started? 

I have achieved quite a lot throughout my 20 years working at Roberts. I have had consistent training courses that enabled me to increase my knowledge, and I have more recently been promoted to Chief Setter which I am very proud of. 

About the Industry… 

8. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for the metal packaging manufacturing industry at the moment? How can you help address them? 

During Covid-10 the industry was affected by supply issues and decreased demand. However, in last few years we are seeing a wider recovery.  

9.  How has manufacturing changed throughout you career? 

Since I started working in the manufacturing industry, I have seen an increase in more advanced machinery such as the PV15 which is a fully automatic sheet fed press which replaces lots of manual labour tasks and old machines, allowing us to produce our products at a more efficient rate.  

10. What are the most important skills that school children and university students should spend time developing to set themselves up for career success? Why? 

I think that all children should learn more about engineering, especially in the metal industry as it can open lots of doors in different fields.  

And finally… the fun/personal stuff! 

11. Who’s your biggest hero (work or life) and why? 

Robertas, our technical manager here at Roberts amazes me, as he is so young with so much knowledge and experience.  

12. Have you got any hobbies outside of work? 

In the evenings and on weekends, to wind down, I love to watch and play snooker.