In our meet the team series, we’re introducing some of SEW-EURODRIVE UK’s key team members, so you can discover the faces and personalities behind our world-leading products, as well as find out about the expertise they have to offer.

To kickstart the series, meet Andy Turner, our Sales & Operations Manager.

What is your job at SEW-EURODRIVE UK, and what are your main responsibilities?

My role as Sales & Operations Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE UK means that I am responsible for the day-to-day production and operations on site, as well as overseeing the sales and strategic plans for the UK.

How many years of experience do you have working in the drives industry?

I’ve been in the drives industry for 20 years; it’s been amazing to see the developments and innovations that we have made as a sector over that period.

What did you do prior to working at SEW-EURODRIVE UK?

Before I started working for SEW, I worked for Renold Gears, where I served my term as an apprentice engineer.

What skills did you gain in your previous role, and how have they benefitted your career?

I worked as an external sales manager for a long period of time at SEW, which taught me a lot about the applications, and understanding the needs of our customers. It also taught me about working with customers to come up with solutions. This has helped me when moving to an internal role, as I have the external, customer-facing perspective, and ability to build relationships.

How have you seen SEW-EURODRIVE grow and develop?

SEW has achieved amazing growth over the last twenty years, mainly through the ability and availability of the products we have, as well as the new product development taking place in Germany. Having a vast product range that can find solutions in all industries for everyone means we’re becoming a one-stop-shop for all automation needs across the world.

What is the biggest area of growth at SEW-EURODRIVE?

The core product for the UK has always been geared motors. In the last five to ten years, we’ve seen significant growth in the automation side of the business and the electronics, and we then need to complement that with the service side of things, and the industrial sized gears.

I would say the biggest growth has been the electrical side of the business – the inverters, servomotors, and other products like that.

What does the future hold for SEW-EURODRIVE?

Our main customers in the UK have always been logistics, automotive, and food and beverage. We’ve seen growth in food and beverage since COVID, and automotive has seen impressive growth recently. Intralogistics is constantly growing, with automation warehouses popping up everywhere, so that’s a big focus for us going forward.

Do you think the customer is always at the heart of what you do?

Absolutely. At SEW the customer is the most important thing. The industries we’re in, are those that can’t stop moving – literally - so we have to understand that. If you ask somebody a question at SEW, the answer is always ‘yes’, and we’ll work to find a solution.

What makes a good leader?

As an aspiring manager or leader, you cherry pick good ideas that you’ve learnt from other leaders throughout your career. Personally, I believe you lead by inspiring people and working with them. You teach people what you know, and potentially even learn from them the things you don’t know.

The leadership style I’ve got is to support anyone who wants to be supported, and help anyone who wants to be helped, and then together we can grow and learn.

What is your proudest career or personal achievement?

I’m most proud of my career progression, starting from an apprentice on the shop floor and working my way up through various management positions.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?

Enjoy being at work, because you’re at work for a long time, and you may as well enjoy it while you’re there.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My favourite meal is ramen, but if I could eat something for the rest of my life, it’d be a kebab.

What gets you up in the morning (other than an alarm clock)?

Genuinely I’m quite excited to come to work in the morning, because every day it’s something different, it’s a new challenge.

What are your hobbies?

I really enjoy cooking. I’d love to try making more pork pies!

Learn more about Andy by watching the video below: