Say Hello to Andrew Stephens

Andrew Stephens is our new Head of Technical Services.

We caught up with Andrew recently, to see what’s he making of life here at Texon…

What do you enjoy most about working for Texon?

“I always enjoy a new challenge. Working for a company that produces and supplies materials is certainly that. Previously I’ve worked with a brand, or a company manufacturing finished footwear product.
“When you start a new job, it’s essential to have knowledgeable and helpful colleagues. Without exception, I’ve found this has always been the case at Texon. It makes my work enjoyable and rewarding.”

What’s been your career highlight so far?

“That’s difficult as there have been many. To pick one, I’d say working with Reebok in Fuzhou, China. I was Director of a brand new development centre at the Ching Luh factory.
“We’d recruit fresh graduates and train them in product development. With our help, these young people grew in knowledge and confidence. Ultimately, they handled their own projects successfully and with pride. It was probably the most rewarding experience of my career so far.”

What are you currently working on?

“I’m mostly focusing on getting to know the people, and learning as much as possible about our materials. Recently I spent an interesting week in China, and I’m looking forward to visiting Texon Non-Woven at Skelton, in the UK and Texon Möckmühl in Germany soon.
“I’m also planning a training session for our Technical Services team. Hopefully it will take the way in which we interact with customers to the next level.”

What challenges are you looking forward to in the next six months?

“I’m keen to work Texon’s Product Development team. I hope to make a positive contribution to the exciting projects they have in the works.”

If you hadn’t joined Texon, what would you be doing now?

“Probably working in a museum as a geologist or palaeontologist. I studied these subjects as an undergraduate, and I’m interested in them today.”

Tell us something that would surprise your colleagues?

“Just prior to joining Texon, my wife and I started a catfish farm in Central Java. When I arrived in Asia in 1987, my plan was to work for a couple of years, then return to the UK – hopefully with a bit of money in the bank. Twenty eight years later, I’m still here!”