Alan started as a toolmaker at EPL in 1985, advancing through management of the development centre to his current role. He is currently responsible for technical design, project management and practical application aspects of new product development. Alan is a specialist in window glazing profiles. His interests outside of the business include chamber music (Alan is a keen cellist), aviation and motor sport.

Andy recently joined the EPL team with responsibility for global sales and marketing, the regional sales teams, the technical centre and product development teams. He has over 20 years experience working with New Zealand manufacturers actively exporting to global markets. Andy has a Masters degree in business from Massey University and recreationally enjoys flyfishing, golf, travel. He also finds time to actively support the endeavours of his two young sons.

Barry has 30 years experience in the plastics industry, doing precision engineering and toolmaking. He joined EPL 20 years ago, to develop technology for the plastic and silicone extrusion industry. His professional interests include engineering, mechanics, technical design, technical problem solving, innovation and industrial manufacturing processes. Outside of work, he enjoys family life, outdoor activities such as camping, tramping, hunting and fly fishing, while finding time to read up on history, ecology and geology.

This veteran of 30 years at EPL started in the compound plant, but after seven years moved to the plastics department where he ran an extruder, engineering materials including ABS, polycarbonate, acrylics, nylon and Santoprene. He was promoted to manager in the fabrication department, doing work mainly for the automotive industry. Recently, Brent spent time in Thailand to train up local staff – an experience he enjoyed tremendously.

Even with two years experience at EPL, Brian considers himself a newbie. He comes from a very extensive sales background spanning 25 years. In preparation for his current role, EPL put him through a diploma in design and specification for plastics. Brian is responsible for EPL’s current client base and the future growth within the South Island. After six years overseas, Brian brought his partner and son with him when he returned to New Zealand to take up the position at EPL. A keen rugby player, Brian took to the field in both England and Ireland.

Carol is in the enviable position that she can draw on 25 years experience at EPL when dealing with customers. During her time with EPL, Carol has enjoyed a wide variety of tasks within the company’s Auckland office. Coupled with her knowledge of products and services, Carol has been able to forge long and lasting relationships with customers. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and cycling.

With over 25 years experience working for New Zealand based manufacturing businesses exporting products and services to customers around the world, Chris joined EPL as CFO in 2006. In this role he heads up a small team responsible for meeting all the administration, accounting and legal obligations of the company. Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Canterbury University, and is a member of NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants. Married with three children, he is actively involved in road cycling and skiing, and is also a very keen follower of rugby.

Craig had a varied and interesting career path before settling at EPL. He started his career in the printing industry in New Zealand, then went abroad for a few years, travelling around the UK and Europe. On his return, he embarked on full-time study towards a diploma in management, which he obtained in 2004. He has had his current role at EPL since 2009. Craig and his long-time partner have two young children. His special interests include collecting carniverous plants from around the world.

Don is coming up for 25 years in the plastics industry, so knows his product thoroughly. He has an NZCS in chemistry and NZIM diploma in management. Don used to work as factory manager at Glendene Plastics until the company became part of the EPL stable in the late 1990s. He is married, with two adult children. His personal interests include off-road motorbikes, boating and fishing.

Ian has been manager of the EPL Compound Plant for over a third of his lifetime – since 1989.

His role covers functions from R&D to production, staff management, quality control, purchasing and even sales. Having married young, both his children are now adults. Outside of work, he keeps busy in his garden and enjoys a range of physical and social activities such as cycling, kayaking, hill running and tramping.

Jon started his career in the plastics industry with EPL in 1983, with an interlude in the New Zealand Navy. He has been in his current role since 2001, testing new dies and equipment to a stage where it can go into production. The process includes testing and analysing raw materials, keeping abreast of new technology in the plastics industry, training staff in new developments, and liaison with the tool-room regarding design and tooling of new profiles. The father of four children, he finds time to play around with hot rods, motorcycles and to enjoy the odd round of golf.

Kyle has been with EPL since 1999. He holds a National Diploma in Business Computing and is a Microsoft Certified Professional on several platforms. Kyle has been heavily involved in setting up EPL’s new VOIP telephone system and also the IT side of the Thailand operation and Sydney sales branch. The former representative table tennis player is married with two young daughters.

An EPL staffer since 1987, Marian holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting Major) and is an Associate Chartered Accountant, close to completing the Chartered Accountant qualification. Alongside her accounting role, she is also responsible for the organisation’s human resources. Married with one daughter, her hobbies include golf, cooking, reading and following her daughter’s activities.

Mark has been in the manufacturing sector for 28 years, having worked in the paint, chemical and clothing industries before joining EPL eight years ago. He holds a Bachelor or Science (Chem) degree from Canterbury University and has completed a diploma in management science. Mark played a key role in establishing EPL’s new manufacturing division in Thailand. He is currently president of the South Island branch of Plastic New Zealand. An avid sports lover and administrator, Mark is chairman of the Christchurch Boys High School Football Club. He likes to spend his leisure hours golfing, fishing, shooting and boating, often with his two sons.

An English-born Kiwi, Neil’s career in the plastics industry started as injection moulding setter and process engineer in 1980, before he moved to extrusion process and problem solving roles, as well as ten years doing factory and production management in Australia. He joined EPL in 2007, focussing on productivity improvement projects and heading up the company’s move into Southeast Asia. Currently his role is to increase business from local appliance manufacturers and glazing systems suppliers in Thailand, as well as to find regional opportunities to grow the Thailand manufacturing business. Outside of work, Neil’s main interests are golf, squash, badminton, swimming and he is a keen home renovator.

Starting at EPL as an operator early in 1987, Phil worked his way up to supervisor and production planner. He completed his training in New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Mechanical (NZCE) in 1995 and moved to the technical department the next year. Phil took over responsibility for the quality system in 2000. Over the years, his role has grown to include health & safety and environmental management systems. He is married and the father of two young teenage boys with whom he shares his love of football, cricket, hiking and camping.

Shane comes from an engineering background before joining EPL in 2003. His role is to keep staff up to date with current trends and industry requirements. He also tests and formulates new materials for commercial use, compiling information so that tool and dies can be constructed to meet project and customer needs. When not working, he loves to be out hunting, riding or snowboarding in the Southern Alps.

Sue has been with EPL since 1998. Her frontline role gives her lots of opportunity for direct contact with customers and to help resolve a wide range of enquiries. She is a hot rod enthusiast and rugby fan who loves to garden in quieter moments.

Tom has worked in the manufacturing and plastics industry for nearly 40 years since leaving school at the age of 17 to join Dunlop(NZ) Ltd. He joined the fledgling business of EPL set up by Jerry O’Neill and Neil Ottmann in 1974 and bought into the business in 1983. In 2005, Tom was part of a small team who set up Compounding Specialists (Comspec) Ltd, a purpose built plastics recycling facility. To facilitate the retirement of his senior partner, Tom headed up a management buyout of all remaining EPL shareholders in 2006.

His passion for the industry has led to Tom serving as national president of Plastics New Zealand and as a board member of the Canterbury Manufacturers Association. He was elected the youngest ever life member of Plastics NZ in 2006 and awarded a prestigious fellowship of the NZ Institute of Management in October 2008.

He is married to Dennise Chapman, who also has a distinguished career as a colour and materials specialist in the plastics industry. Tom has three adult children and two grandchildren. He is an active sportsman with, among others, six Coast To Coast events under his belt. His love of scuba diving allows him to indulge in shell collecting and underwater photography. He is also a keen game fisherman.

After about a quarter of a century at EPL, Wayne has had his hands on every piece of machinery on site. Together with his team, he does everything from design to modifications, upgrades and commissioning. He started as a fitter and turner, but has also done machining and has also gained a qualification to do electrical work. For him, the journey at EPL has always been exciting and fulfilling. When he’s not working, Wayne likes to cruise around the Marlborough Sounds with his wife and family on their 10 metre launch.