The Greencroft Estate in Annfield Plain (DH9) is home to Lanchester Wines and Greencroft Bottling – sister businesses within the family-owned The Lanchester Group. Each is among the leading businesses in its sector, and combined, they are one of the largest employers in our area. Consett Magazine has been given exclusive access to meet the people behind the scenes who keep these businesses running.
Andy Clark joined Lanchester Wines two years ago in the Packhouse before moving into the Warehouse and recently became Warehouse Shift Supervisor. Before that, he spent two decades as a senior contracts manager in the construction industry, overseeing fencing projects across the North East. “I looked after all kinds of sites,” Andy explains. “It was stressful work, managing multiple contracts and deadlines.”
When his previous employer went into liquidation, Andy was encouraged by a family connection to apply for a role at Lanchester Wines. “My wife’s cousin works here and suggested I get in touch. It was meant to be temporary, but I’ve stayed because I really enjoy it. It’s always busy, but we work well together as a team, and I can trust my managers. Compared to my old job, there’s pressure, but not the same stress.”
Andy supervises a team of four in the warehouse, making sure wagons are loaded correctly and on time. He checks stock, verifies picks, and liaises between drivers, logistics, and warehouse staff. “We can handle 15–20 wagons a day, from single pallets to full loads, mostly supermarket orders. Accuracy and timing are everything – we’re the final link in the Lanchester Wines process, and we take pride in that.”
Stock control and communication are key parts of Andy’s role. “I make sure orders are right before they leave us. If something’s wrong, it affects the whole chain – so we double-check everything.”
Originally from Durham, Andy still lives nearby. “It’s local, easy to get to, and a great place to work,” he says, “and my daughter Amy now also works here.” For Andy, the role offers a balance of responsibility and teamwork without the high stress of his previous career. “I enjoy coming to work – and that says a lot.”
Lanchester Wines and Greencroft Bottling are growing, and they’re looking for people to join our teams. If you’re enthusiastic, hard-working and seeking a career in which you can progress, visit their websites: www.lanchesterwines.co.uk/careers-at-lanchester-wines/ and www.greencroftbottling.com/recruitment
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Full story here: https://consettmagazine.com/2026/02/28/the-people-behind-the-pour-andy-clark-warehouse-shift-supervisor-at-lanchester-wines/
Andy Clark good truck that 😉
Any jobs going