Member Article

Manufacturing firm announces addition to its team

A MANUFACTURING company which makes steel balls for the automotive and engineering sectors has announced a key appointment to its management team.

AKS Precision Ball in Peterlee has appointed Susan Huntsman into the role of Human Resources Officer.

It is the first time the company has employed a member of staff dedicated solely to HR and reflects the ambitions to add to its growing portfolio and increase the 130-strong workforce.

Susan, who has worked in various HR roles across the North East during her career, said: “I am delighted to join AKS Precision Ball and I’m very much looking forward to the challenge this newly created role brings.

“The company was previously supported by the HR Team located at NSK Bearings. In the few weeks I’ve been in the post I have already identified areas of priority, things I want to improve or introduce, which I believe will benefit AKS and put it in an even stronger position to grow.”

Susan, who lives in Derwentside and is married with one daughter, began her career at United Biscuits before joining Schmitz Cargobull. She was then appointed into the role of HR Manager at Faershplast before joining the team at North West Industrial Estate-based AKS.

She added: “I definitely believe I can add value to the team and am looking forward to putting my own stamp on things and supporting the workforce with their HR needs.

“The role is incredibly diverse and there is so much to do across the business so there’s no doubt it’s going to be a challenge, but I do love a challenge and I know that will bring the best out of me. Since I started everyone has made me feel so welcome and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I’m so busy that every day flies over and I get to the end of the week and wonder where my days have gone. It’s also refreshing to not have that dreaded Sunday night, Monday morning feeling and that’s because I love coming into work.”

Speaking about Susan’s appointment, AKS Managing Director Bill Swanwick said: “I am delighted to have secured Susan’s services. She has a vast amount of experience working in HR in the North East so I know her skills and expertise will be invaluable to this company.”

AKS Precision Ball was established in 1989 and is now regarded as a world leader in the manufacture of steel balls, recording an annual turnover of around £20m.

The company supplies the UK domestic and European markets and its product is found in cars, wind turbines, household electrical appliances, mobile phones and ball point pens.

In 2011 the company was successful in applying for a grant through the Government’s flagship Regional Growth Fund programme which was invested into the Peterlee plant.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leanne English .