Team Talk with Pete Gallagher

We caught up with Pete Gallagher, Maintenance Machinery Coordinator, for this month’s Willerby Team Talk.

Pete joined Willerby as a labourer in March 1990 and attended night school to gain his woodwork qualifications, before becoming a machine operator.

Pete then became team leader in the machine shop, managing colleagues who produce vinyl-pressed furniture, such as kitchen doors, for our holiday homes and lodges.

Q. Tell us about your job and what it involves.

A. I help to manage and support the Maintenance Engineering Team, which is split into several sub-functions and includes more than 30 staff. My team ensure we’re legally compliant, prevents and responds to any machinery breakdowns and establishes the reasons for them to prevent any further occurrences.

I also manage contractors who come to the site to repair and service any machinery. It’s a very busy job.

Q. What’s the best thing about your job?

A. Every day is different. I like the challenge of solving problems and making improvements. I work with a really good team who all have a similar mindset and it’s a pleasure to work with such highly skilled people.

There’s a good balance of experience and knowledge, with those who are approaching the end of their careers supporting the younger apprentices as mentors.

Q. What does being part of the Willerby team mean to you?

A. I’ve been here for over 30 years and it’s a very forward-thinking business. Willerby is the market leader and even through difficult times they always come out stronger.

Willerby also invests in the latest technology to strengthen the business, which is good to be involved in.

Q. If you didn’t work for Willerby and you could do any job in the world, what would it be?

A. Something to do with travel. I love to see new places and I’m interested in history. I’ve been to 27 countries so far and my favourite place is Italy. I always make a point of seeing places of interest, such as cathedrals, because I appreciate good craftsmanship.

Q. What’s your secret claim to fame?

A. Before I started working at Willerby I was travelling in a vehicle which appeared on an episode of Only Fools and Horses. They were filming the episode entitled “To Hull and Back” on the Humber Bridge and my Dad and I were driving by, which was caught on camera.