Matthew Freestone

Job Role

Production Engineer

Background

Graduate from University of Derby with a degree in Manufacturing & Production Engineering

Job Summary

My role of Production Engineer is very varied, ranging from managing a small team to product testing and process improvements. A brief view of some of my responsibilities are below:

Production Management

I currently manage the manufacture of the Hi-therm lintel range, both for stock replenishment and made to order lintels. This includes production planning, inventory planning and replenishment as well as employee management including reviews and performance /disciplinary meetings.

Quality, Health and Safety

With my previous role as Quality Engineer for The Keystone Group, I have carried across the skills gained and improved on the quality systems in place. The Keystone Group supported me to complete an IOSH Health and Safety Management course. I now take part responsibility for the safety of the employees on the production floor.

Process Improvements

Continuous improvement is an important factor of Keystone’s success. We are always looking for new ways to improve products, services and processes. Since starting the role as Production Engineer I have been involved in many improvement initiatives both big and small.

Research, Development and Product Testing

Along with process improvements, design and material changes / improvements are also vital to remain competitive in the marketplace. Design and material changes require extensive research to ensure they are fit for purpose. This includes supplier meetings and visits along with product testing.

One of my responsibilities is the product testing of new designs to ensure they are fit to carry the required loads. The test results are then reported back to senior management.

Challenges

The role has many challenges, the past 12 months I’ve spent in this position have been a steep learning curve. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is managing a production team for the first time, and all the pressures that go along with it! I have had fantastic support from many of the people I work with which has helped me gain the skills required to cope with the ever increasing demand.

Kieran Coyle

Job Role

Technical Detailer

Background

Graduate from University of Ulster, Jordanstown with a degree in Architectural Technology and Management

Job Summary

In my role as a Technical Detailer I generate production and client drawings of various masonry support products and ensure that they are fit for purpose. The role also involves providing support to other members within my team when necessary.

Challenges

Due to the nature of our business and the various projects we supply products to, my job varies from day to day. Due to the rapid growth of IG Masonry Support everyday produces new challenges and tasks as products are continually being developed.

Reason I Chose Keystone

I have always had a keen interest in construction and The Keystone Group has a fantastic reputation for innovation and product development. The fact that the company is constantly winning product awards, expanding and developing new product solutions attracted me to this role.

Working Environment

The working environment is extremely fast paced, always busy and I enjoy the challenges that brings. My team are very supportive and there is always a friendly atmosphere. In the two years I have been with The Keystone Group they have offered me new opportunities to develop new skills such as becoming involved in new product development and to take on new responsibilities such as project management.

What would I say to someone coming to join us?

I would say to anyone thinking of coming to work at Keystone that it is a great place to work. If you are eager to learn and are driven by job satisfaction you will definitely be provided with opportunities to progress your career.

Eleanor Kelly

Job Role

Marketing Brand Executive

Background

Graduate from Northumbria University with a degree in PR and Communications

Job Summary

In my role as Brand Executive I provide marketing support for two of Keystone Group’s offsite manufacturing companies, IG Elements and Smartroof. I also
co-ordinate Ireland marketing activity with the help of the Keystone Lintels and Keylite Roof Window’s Brand Managers.

Challenges

As I work with some of the youngest companies in The Keystone Group, my main challenge is brand awareness, which is vital to ensure the continued growth of these businesses to help increase their market share.

Development and Support

I first joined Keystone in 2012 for an industrial placement. The help, support and experience I received during my 14month placement greatly benefited me in completing my degree. When I graduated I applied for a marketing position to help cover a maternity leave, this then led to me becoming a Trainee Brand Executive for Smartroof and IG Elements and after guidance from my Manager I became a Brand Executive.

Opportunities

The Keystone Group has given me an incredible opportunity to work with progressive companies who are committed to creating quality innovations that have already reshaped the construction industry.

Work Environment

I am lucky to be part of such a fun, committed and creative group, this ethos is also reflected in our marketing department. We have a strong team who always provide support.

Reason I Chose Keystone

Keystone is a progressive group of companies who understand the value of marketing in the construction industry. They are serial innovators, with some of the best technical experts in the industry and are committed to providing quality products for their customers.

What I would say to someone coming to join us?

You will be joining a dynamic company with a committed workforce and even though we work hard you can be sure your time with Keystone will be fun.

David Loughran

Job Role

Keylite Technical Team Leader

Background

Graduate from University of Ulster with a degree in Construction Engineering Management

Job Summary

My role within the company at present is quite diverse; I am the Technical Team Leader in Ireland, on top of this I look after international sales throughout Europe and Australia. This aspect of my job involves processing orders from the international distributors and managing the logistics concerned with this.

Another aspect of this role is product development and design; with one of our suppliers I have been involved in a complete re-design of a product, incorporating unique innovations into the product to provide us with a competitive advantage over other potential suppliers. Finally I am in charge of monitoring the quality of these products and guaranteeing that they meet the high standards required by The Keystone Group.

Work Environment

The working environment is a pleasant one; we are surrounded with friendly people who have a can-do attitude which is great for morale within the office. The Keystone Group are blessed with fantastic people with years of experience in the construction industry who are only too willing to lend a hand.

Reason I Chose Keystone

The Keystone Group is constantly supporting individual development in the work place and they strive to have the best employees possible. The support in which The Keystone Group and in particular my line manager and fellow employees in Keylite have given me is second to none.

What would I say to someone coming to join us?

The advice I would give someone coming to work with The Keystone Group would be to embrace everything and to listen to those around you. It is an exciting company to be part of with a vibrant workforce. You will have the potential to learn so much here from the gifted individuals who are already a focal part of the group. Everyone is out to enhance their own career prospects and in order to do this it is essential we gain as much experience as possible – Something you will get in abundance through your time with The Keystone Group.