The Greencroft Estate in Annfield Plain is home to Greencroft Bottling and Lanchester Wines. Consett Magazine has been given exclusive access to meet the people behind the scenes.
After more than 12 years at Greencroft Bottling, Shift Manager Stuwart Mawson knows the business from the ground up. Stuwart’s journey through a variety of roles across the site has given him a wealth of experience and a detailed understanding of what it takes to keep operations running smoothly.
“I’ve always started at the bottom and worked my way up,” he says. “For me, that’s important because it means you understand the business properly and appreciate the challenges people face in different roles.”
No two days are the same for Stuwart. Depending on what is running across the bottling lines, his focus can range from resolving production issues and minimising downtime to coordinating with planning and quality teams to ensure the right products, packaging and resources are in place.
“It’s all about keeping things moving,” he explains. “We’re constantly problem-solving, making sure the correct jobs are running and helping the team overcome any issues that come up.”
Before joining Greencroft Bottling, Stuwart built his career in food manufacturing. After leaving college, he joined Tindale & Stanton in Burnopfield, progressing from a packing role into quality before the business closed. From there, he moved to Greencore’s International Cuisine division, where he eventually became Stock Controller, responsible for managing stock worth millions of pounds.
When he arrived at Greencroft Bottling more than a decade ago, he started as a palletiser operator. Since then, he has worked as a depalletiser coordinator, line leader, Ancillary Supervisor, Bottling Supervisor and now Acting Shift Manager. Each move was driven by a desire to learn more about the business.
“I like a challenge,” Stuwart says. “I’ve always wanted to understand different parts of the operation. That’s why I’ve moved between departments over the years. The more I learn, the more I can help.”
That willingness to support colleagues is something Stuwart sees as one of the most rewarding aspects of his role. “I don’t like seeing people struggle,” he says. “If someone needs help, I want them to know they can come to me. That’s what teamwork is all about.”
For Stuwart, one of the biggest reasons he has stayed at Greencroft Bottling for over 12 years is the people. “The years have flown by,” he says. “It’s very different from places I’ve worked before. The people are good, the work is varied and every day brings a different challenge. Working alongside the lads and lasses on the shop floor is what I enjoy most.”
Originally from Newcastle, Stuwart spent much of his childhood in County Durham and now lives in Rowlands Gill, making the daily journey to Greencroft Bottling where he continues to support the teams he has worked alongside throughout his career.
His story is a great example of the opportunities available at Greencroft Bottling, where commitment, continuous learning and teamwork can open doors to a long and rewarding career.
If you would like to find out more about Greencroft Bottling and Lanchester Wines, visit greencroftbottling.com and lanchesterwines.co.uk.
People Behind the Pour, in association with Lanchester Wines
