Factory Manager
Sam Wilkinson
Sam Wilkinson – Factory Manager is one of our longest-serving team members.
After more than 10 years working for the business, starting out as a part-time member of the production team she is now heads up our factory operations and our packing team.
Sam started her career as a mortgage and insurance broker gaining a number of qualifications during her college life.
After taking some time out to raise a family Sam started to work part-time at T.Forrest. Shaun and Tina recognised Sam’s organisational skills and she was soon promoted to head up our factory and its operations.
describe a typical day in the office
My typical day starts with a nice cheery good morning to all of our staff. We have a quick team catch-up. Then designate job roles for everyone one of the team.
I have to be organised with all the customer orders to ensure we hit our OTIF targets. Once we are in production quality is paramount. I’m responsible to ensure everything leaves the building in immaculate condition and the lorries are loaded correctly for our drivers.
I have the big responsibility of stock control to ensure we have the raw materials to produce our treats and communication with the team is key.
My day can get hectic but we have a great team that pulls out all the stops to get everything done.
It's a great place to work. I love my job because we have a lovely happy team which makes my day so full-filled.
Everyone that works at T.Forrest is dedicated to their job so that makes my job an absolute joy.
one interesting fact about you
When I was younger, I did a modeling shoot for a magazine. We got a phone call asking if I would go on the TV programme Waterloo Road.
Unfortunately, the school wouldn’t let me have the time off. So we had to decline the offer.
what do you do in your spare time?
All my spare time is spent with my family. I have been married for over thirty years and have seven wonderful children and two gorgeous grandchildren.
We are a family of animal lovers and have four dogs and four horses. During the summer months, we like to travel to horse shows up and down the country and we are often in the ribbons.
best piece of advice you have received
The piece of advice I was given in my early years is the one I tell my children at least weekly “you can only fail if you quit“.
