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ALANNA BOWLER HEAD OF MANUFACTURING SOUTH DONALDSON TIMBER SYSTEMS I joined DTS in 2015 as a factory administrator. Sitting in the manufacturing office alongside the management team, I absorbed a lot of what was going on. I was always encouraged to go out in the yard or on the shop floor if I wanted to get a better understanding, which helped build my knowledge of the whole manufacturing process.
After 18 months, DTS was recruiting for a logistics manager. As I’d been curious about all aspects of the department, I was offered the opportunity to be taken on as a trainee manager, and two years later became manager.
As I progressed through the business, I developed into a trusted position, becoming the go-to person in the department to get something done. When the factory manager role became available in 2023, this position felt like a natural progression for me. I’ve been working as head of manufacturing south for the past two years.
One thing that DTS has always been ahead of the curve on is a focus on automation. The technology we use is industry leading, including precision robotics, which is fantastic for speed of manufacture, quality of product and health and safety. It’s also positive for recruitment. Factory roles had traditionally been seen as labour intensive work, with mostly applications from men, but we’re now able to offer factory positions that are more accessible and attractive to all. When I started in the manufacturing department, I was one of only two women. Ten years later, I’m head of department with seven female and 10 male colleagues within my team – as well as overall responsibility for a further 86 manufacturing staff on the factory floor. I hope to see more diversity come into play. We have a way to go in bringing more diversity to the shop floor, but with more modern equipment and less gender stereotyping in young people, I see no reason why this can’t develop further. ■
AMANDA DEVERALL GROUP TRADE AND IMPORTS MANAGER BRITTONS HOLDINGS
I began my career in the timber trade by answering an advert in my local paper for an admin position at DW Archer. My family wasn’t sure it would suit me working in construction, but 23 years on and I’m still loving it!
I now hold the position of group trade and imports manager at FW Morgan. The role utilises my experience in timber import and customer sales but for a small group of businesses. I’m responsible for sourcing a wide range timber products to cover our own and direct customer’s needs, managing shipments, stock control and maintaining key customer and supplier relationships. The variety this role has given to me is fantastic and I feel valued by the whole business. I’m also heavily involved in the environmental responsibilities of sourcing; maintaining and preparing for chain of custody audits, ensuring our supply routes are verified. I believe it’s important as a buyer to be involved in this process, to understand exactly where the products originate from. Ensuring sustainably and traceability is key right now.
I have witnessed personally over the years the increase of women holding key roles within our sector. I remember fondly my first timber function, although being one of only three women in attendance was daunting. Today the picture is very different, there is always an abundance of women in the room, each representing their respective companies with pride and a huge smile! Fantastic to see and be part of in what has traditionally been a male dominated industry. As for timber, I can only see popularity and demand developing as the focus of today’s building industry seeks sustainable and green solutions to construction. It’s an exciting time as we push forward to the next chapter. ■
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2025 | TTJ
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