EnglishSpecial Piping Materials’ office in Aberdeen was established in 2007 and is led by industry expert and Managing Director Jamie Hutchinson.
The office has a key focus on the North Sea petroleum industry, but they do work further afield in key geographical areas wherever specialist pipes and fittings are required. The team has an enviable reputation for excellent customer service, high quality and high-performing products.
They have a 30,000 sq. ft warehouse and work hard to ensure that they have a wide variety of specialist products in stock, ready to ship quickly to clients who require them.
In charge of this warehouse is Warehouse Manager Doug Smith who has been with SPM since 2014. He works extremely hard with his team to ensure the warehouse always operates efficiently.
Read this blog to find out more about Doug and his role at Special Piping Materials!
- How long have you worked with SPM?
It is coming up for 9 years; I started with SPM in June 2014.
- Can you give us an overview of your career so far?
During my time at SPM, I started as a Warehouse Operative, did briefly move into Sales but decided to come back through to the Warehouse as the Warehouse Manager.
- What’s your favourite (and least favourite) day-to-day task?
I like getting stuck into project jobs where there may be testing to arrange, specifications to review and inspectors to organise, they really pass the day and keep me on my toes! My least favourite task is all the paperwork to process incoming and outgoing orders.
- What made you want to work for SPM?
I was looking for a career change having previously worked in the motor industry.
- What is your focus at the moment in your role?
As we have had a couple of staff changes in the Warehouse, my focus is to get them up to speed with their product knowledge to continue with the smooth running of the Aberdeen Warehouse.
- What does a typical ‘day in the office’ look like?
I start the day with a coffee and then plan my day by organising the outgoing orders for each day, working with the rest of the warehouse team to ensure all material expected during each day arrives. Any required product testing is carried out promptly and of course, most importantly, I also make sure that client expectations are met.
- Are there any events or particular milestones coming up for the Scotland office?
Personally, it will be 10 years I’ve worked for SPM in 2024 – time flies! There will also be Offshore Europe toward the end of 2023 which is always a busy time in Aberdeen!
- What do you think the rest of 2023 will bring to the piping world?
It’s definitely getting busier again in the industry after the pandemic ended, so long may that trend continue!
- What keeps you motivated at work each day? And how do you motivate your team?
We have a very supportive and strong team here in Aberdeen and most of us have worked together for years now so we have pretty good relationships. We all motivate and help each other to make sure all jobs are completed to a high standard.
- How do you relax after a hard day’s work in the office?
I enjoy watching football and going to games, playing golf in the summer and socialising with friends.
- If you had to choose another office around the world to work in, which would it be and why?
It would have to be Singapore or Dubai because I would love to visit those places.
Thanks for being part of Special Piping Materials Doug!
