Teamwork | Avery Dennison

Our teams - Avery Dennison — Before joining Avery Dennison, Patrick “Paddy” Allen was a semi-professional football player. When he began a new career at the company’s Cramlington site though, he found that the lessons he learned on the pitch – including the importance of supporting your team – also apply to life on the factory floor.

What do you do as a line leader for Avery Dennison?

Most of the time, I work on the shop floor with other operators. As a line leader, I also assist my manager with the day-to-day running of the shift. I have quite a bit of experience with the machines as well, which allows me to quickly assess how they are performing and determine the root of any problems the operators are experiencing and then quickly resolve them.

When my manager is not on site, I generally look after the shift and help with anything that requires my attention.

You’re also a member of the first aid team at your plant - can you tell us more about that?

Yes, I am a standard first aider. I can provide help if there’s a small accident, but I’m also the first responder if someone has a bigger health issue and needs looking after while the emergency response team is called. It’s nice to know that I can help people when needed.

Avery Dennison has also created a mental health first aid team, which I think is really important. We’re not professionals by any means, but we do have some insights, as well as some information we can give out to those in need, even if it’s just a phone number where they can find proper support if they want to keep things completely confidential.

You joined Avery Dennison after leaving football, which is a big career change. How did you to find the company and what made you decide to apply?

I already had friends who worked at the Avery Dennison location in Cramlington, which is near the English coast, not far from Newcastle. The company has always had a great reputation in the local area, so when I read more about it and learned it’s a good place for someone with the right skills, attitude and work ethic to achieve their professional goals, I decided to apply for a job.

The company has always had a great reputation in the local area, so when I read more about it and learned it’s a good place for someone with the right skills, attitude and work ethic to achieve their professional goals, I decided to apply for a job.

You’re still quite the sportsman and play football and golf. Is there anything you’ve learned from sport that helps you on the job?

Leadership. As a footballer, I always lead by example and prioritize working hard for others and for the team. Playing sports has also given me insights into the way other people are, and helped me understand very quickly that not everyone has the same skillset.

For example, some people work fast, while others carefully consider what needs to be done before diving in, so they take more time. When it comes to leading at work, I do my best to figure out what skillsets people have, as well as what they want to accomplish, and I use this knowledge to help me understand them better, and support them in reaching their goals.

How did Avery Dennison help you become a manager, and how has the company supported your career growth?

After being at Avery Dennison for a short while, I approached my manager and the HR department about higher learning and development opportunities. The company offered to enroll me in a management course and provide a coach for one-on-one support whenever I needed assistance.

Since I became a team leader, I’ve pushed myself to continue learning and developing my managerial skills and knowledge to become more well rounded, and Avery Dennison has supported me at every step along the way. I really think the company is more than happy to help people achieve their career goals through learning and development.

Since I became a team leader, I’ve pushed myself to continue learning and developing my managerial skills and knowledge to become more well rounded.

What drives you to work hard and give your all?

Well, I have a very competitive nature from playing sport, so no matter what I do, I want to try and be the best I can. Of course, I also know that I can never be the best at everything, but as long as I give it my all, I can feel happy about everything I’m able to achieve.

I also have to say that my wife and son inspire me, too. They help drive me onwards and they are the two people I most want to make proud.

I also know that I can never be the best at everything, but as long as I give it my all, I can feel happy about everything I’m able to achieve.