A Special Piping Materials interview with Ian Chia, Logistics Coordinator at our Perth office.
Ian has worked for Special Piping Materials for more than four years and has been a core member of the Perth team ever since he joined us. Having worked in a few different roles within the company, he has the inside knowledge and can tell you everything you need to know about our pipes, fittings, flanges, shipping and logistics!
Helping to manage Special Piping Materials’ 50,000 sq. ft warehouse in Perth is no mean feat, but Ian coordinates with our network of mills, suppliers and freight forwarders in the region to ensure that our clients are kept happy.
Read on to find out more about Ian’s role in in the Special Piping Materials team.
- How long have you worked with SPM?
4 years and 6 months
- What role are you currently in?
Logistics and warehousing
- Can you give us an overview of your career so far?
I first started work as a storeman and learnt some of the logistics role, supporting our logistics coordinator when he was away. When he moved onto a sales role last year, I took over the role of logistics coordinator while still assisting in the warehouse.
- What’s your favourite (and least favourite) day-to-day task?
My favourite task is coordinating with mills, suppliers and freight forwarders to get orders to our clients as quick as possible. Receiving happy responses from them always makes my day!
My least favourite task…. Recently it’s definitely been the rare occasion where I have had to inform clients of delays in shipments due to covid.
- What made you want to work for SPM?
There is a great team here that makes it feel more like working with family not just co-workers. It’s a very stress-free environment which I don’t think many people can say about their place of work!
- What is your focus at the moment in your role?
Making sure manufacturing and machining from our network of mills is on time, and that shipments are on schedule. I also work to assist the sales and warehouse staff in making sure stock orders and in-house project work are completed in a timely manner and are all up to date.
- What do you think the future holds for the piping world?
I think there will always be a high demand for the high quality products that we supply. We have a very strong resource industry in Western Australia which keeps us busy. I only see this increasing in the future, especially with the world moving towards greener and more environmentally friendly solutions.
- How do you think COVID will affect the piping world going forwards?
I think it has affected the industry in the same way as other sectors have been affected by it – supply and demand. I don’t see it reverting back to how it was pre-covid in the near future, although it may possibly be the new norm or it may slowly return to normal. I see our staff and clients learning to accept how things are now.
- What keeps you motivated at work each day?
Being able to work with a great team. We all support and help one another in our roles. There’s great social interaction with one another.
- How do you relax after a hard day’s work in the office?
Spending time with my family and my dog.
- If you had to choose another office around the world to work in, which would it be and why?
Definitely Singapore – the food!
We hope you enjoyed this Special Piping Materials interview with Ian Chia!
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