I have been in the privileged position to have worked with Tim as a colleague and as a supplier. Tim’s knowledge of lean six sigma, process improvement and print and conversion expertise provided a basis to discuss new packaging concepts but also bring them to fruition and manage them through the commercial realisation phase.
Working with Tim as the Technical Director for Field / Chesapeake Tobacco Packaging he was able to work with the sales team to understand the customer brief and work to convert it to a viable technical brief for cross functional development within the business. Often challenging the conventional approach of gravure and flexo printing to provide a solution addressing the internal and external cross functional requirements, and often providing the sales team that elusive opportunity to exceed the customers’ expectations.
I then had the opportunity to work with Tim while he was at API reviewing the development qualification and use of hot foils. While this is an established technology in the industry the support required for the Scientific and Regulatory Affairs review and approval process is a key to a successful supply partnership. With Tim’s Industrial Chemistry background and understanding of processes he was instrumental in building a proactive channel of communication with the SRA team simplifying the development and improvement of hot foils. Additionally Tim’s skill set enabled him to support Technical Print press side to ensure that the foils in use delivered against specification, working to feedback into the business to ensure that the product offered matched the intended usage parameters.
Tim is always able to tread the fine line between presenting a technical and understandable message depending on the target audience, he is always professional taking time to actively listen to the “customers” requirements and ensuring that the facts are understood documented and utilised.
