Building Careers and a Better World: Growth Through Manufacturing

Employees at the Caterpillar-owned Perkins facility in Peterborough, England are matched with roles based on their interests and skills to ensure satisfaction and enjoyment. The expectations are high for employees to deliver, but Group Manager, Michael Chilvers, shares that the facility works together as a team to achieve success. “It isn’t what we do, it’s how we do it. It’s our values and how we conduct ourselves and our business that makes us successful. It’s all about making sure we’re working together to do business the right way.”

Because of the team-focused environment, employees can demonstrate their skills and abilities by learning several different stations. These opportunities can lead to major career growth. Michael would know- he started at Perkins 25 years ago in a shop floor position looking to support his family. He worked through various roles that gave him the opportunity to improve processes, which led to more responsibilities as time went on. Now, a group manager, Michael oversees the production of hundreds of engines every day.

“When I reflect on the different roles I’ve had throughout my career and what made them successful, it was never me. It was always the team. I work hard to recognize good work and help those who have opportunities for improvement. I love seeing people that I’ve worked with develop in the business. I’m not worried about me being successful because I know that my success comes from my team’s success,” said Michael.

“The impact of keeping the world moving is very important. The team on the shop floor is one of the most critical groups when you consider the services we put out into the world. Without everyone being on board and rowing in the same direction at the same time, we’ll never be successful. Without a shadow of a doubt, they are an integral part of what we do every minute of every day.” Are you ready to join the team?