After nearly 14 years at Strohm, Stefano has seen the company grow from an R&D-focused organisation to a global manufacturing business. He has been part of that journey from the shop floor, taking on several production roles and getting to know the day-to-day realities of manufacturing thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP).
Stefano initially joined Strohm as a production operator before progressing to team leader, production leader and, most recently, work centre leader for winding. Each role has provided him with a different perspective on production, from hands-on experience fabricating the pipe, to leading teams on the production floor and driving operational improvements across departments.
In his current role, Stefano is responsible for overseeing the performance of the winding work centre. His role focuses on improving operational efficiency, supporting production planning and coordinating improvement initiatives that help optimise manufacturing processes. Working closely with various teams across the company, he holds a pivotal role where he ensures that production runs efficiently while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
Having worked across multiple production roles, Stefano has become a valuable source of knowledge within the organisation. Colleagues regularly seek his advice on production processes and operational challenges, drawing on the experience he has built over a decade and a half at Strohm. “Sometimes it takes me 20 minutes to walk from the office to the factory floor because so many people stop me to ask questions. Especially newer employees often come to me for guidance”, he says laughing.
One of the aspects Stefano enjoys most about his role is finding the most efficient ways to get things done. Working with colleagues from different departments, he contributes to projects aimed at increasing efficiency and enhancing production performance.
Reflecting on the company's development, Stefano has witnessed significant change. When he joined, Strohm employed around 65 people and operated primarily as a research and development organisation. Today, the company has grown to employ nearly 300 people from across the world and has developed into a high-volume production facility with a strong focus on operational excellence.
Looking back on his career, Stefano values the years he spent as a team leader, working with a close-knit team. Supporting junior operators in their development remains one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. Today, although his responsibilities have changed, he continues to enjoy helping colleagues and contributing to the success of the wider organisation.
Outside of work, Stefano enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, riding his scooter when the weather allows, following Formula 1 and cooking Italian dishes. He appreciates having a good balance between work and his personal life.
After almost 14 years, Stefano remains motivated by the same goal that brought him to Strohm in the first place: contributing to the growth of an innovative company and helping build something that continues to make an impact.