Member Article

Yorkshire manufacturer strengthens team with new recruit

Europe’s only manufacturer of vinyl playing jukeboxes has appointed a new recruit to its manufacturing capabilities.

In contrast to the predominately male industry in which it operates, Sound Leisure is keen to encourage further female personnel to its team and has appointed Casey-Lea Allison directly from the Leeds-based University Technical College (UTC). Sound Leisure plays an active role with the UTC, hosting factory tours and setting projects for the students.

UTC Leeds is a government-funded academy that specialises in engineering and advanced manufacturing, where students study highly regarded technical qualifications alongside GCSEs and A Levels.

Whilst studying level 3 engineering at the college, Casey visited the Sound Leisure facilities on a factory tour and enjoyed it so much that she followed up with a mail asking if she could have some work experience with the firm. Having completed her college studies, Casey got in touch again asking to be considered for any vacancies. The firm gave Casey a six-week trial in various areas of the business including Research and Development. Following a successful trial Casey has been appointed full time.

Managing director of Sound Leisure, Chris Black comments:

“Casey’s interest and initiative to seek a job opportunity with us has been admirable. She quickly made a fantastic impression on the team and we are delighted to have set her on full time. Casey is actively documenting all procedures in the factory and has already saved production time on some jobs by looking at the way we manufacture things.”

With an impressive an 80,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Crossgates, Leeds, Sound Leisure is one of only two classic jukebox manufacturers in the world with further sub-groups of the business including SLKids, suppliers of children distraction areas.

Established in 1978, family-run business, Sound Leisure has sold more than 100,000 jukeboxes around the world.

Casey Allison adds:

“I’m thrilled to have been offered a job with Sound Leisure. I’ve had the best time undertaking my work experience here and I’m excited to support the company that ensures that further females enjoy great careers in manufacturing such fantastic products.”

The Principal of UTC Leeds, Alex Burnham, said: “We are delighted that Casey has secured a position with our longstanding employer partner, Sound Leisure. Our focus at the UTC is very much on destinations and we are proud of our strong track in helping students to progress into great opportunities in industry, as well as further study. This is exactly why the UTC was set up to help local engineering and manufacturing employers to gain highly skilled new recruits and to give young people great life chances.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellie MacDonald .