Colleagues improving performance in the North East
Tyneside mail centre, Sue Whalley
What do you get when you combine two mail centres into a third in the North East? The answer is an improving one, thanks to the efforts of colleagues who are driving up performance.
Darlington and Middlesbrough mail centres were merged into Tyneside. While it took some time to settle staff and the site’s performance, the unit is now seeing an improvement across all measures.
Changing fortunes
OPG Emma Pearson, who was based at Darlington and is now at Tyneside, recently talked to chief operations officer Sue Whalley about the improving fortunes of the mail centre.
‘It was great to meet Sue and that she was interested in what we are doing at Tyneside,’ she said.
‘It’s certainly different working here from Darlington. It was a much smaller office there and Tyneside is so big in comparison, but it’s a really nice group of people who work here.’
Workplace coach Jill Campbell took Sue through the conveyor trials taking place at the mail centre.
‘The trials have been very successful and have improved productivity significantly. As the trials progressed the conveyors have really improved and are making a difference,’ she said.
‘It was great to meet Sue and take her through the trial. It’s nice to know we’re not forgotten about up here and she values our work.’
Some journey
Sue was delighted with the efforts of staff at the mail centre.
‘This unit has been on quite a journey and the improvements are quite incredible. I would like to say a big thank you for everyone at the mail centre for their efforts,’ she said.
Plant manager Dave Dunn added: ‘There’s a lot of work still to be done but I can’t fault the attitude of colleagues at the mail centre for pulling in the same direction. We’ve made a huge amount of progress and I’d like to thank everyone for playing their part.’
Not one of them smiling, but I were always told "it's grim up north". 