Strand Hardware has rewarded the skills and expertise of two team members by promoting them to senior roles. Jo Wallis, previously General Manager, becomes Operations Director, while Andy Michel moves from Warehouse Supervisor to Warehouse and Production Manager.
Jo joined Strand Hardware in July 2019 and has worked in the industry for more than 20 years. She began her career as a Supply Chain Co-ordinator for Allgood plc before joining GEZE UK as a Purchasing Assistant and later became its Purchasing and Distribution Sales Manager. She is MCIPS qualified and remains a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.
In her new role, Jo has day-to-day responsibility for all operational aspects of the business, including health and safety and human resources for Strand Hardware’s 20-strong workforce. She will work alongside Sales Director Craig Fox to support customer service delivery.
Outside work, Jo, who is married to Richard, enjoys running, exercise and spending time with their dog, Molly, who is a three-year-old cockerpoo.
She said that she is looking forward to taking on more responsibility for day-to-day operations and becoming more involved in developing business strategy to “help strengthen the brand and help support its future growth”.
Andy joined Strand Hardware in 2012 and his new role will also see him take on more managerial responsibility including production planning, co-ordination, administration, efficiency reviews and quality assurance.
His duties now extend beyond the distribution warehousing to include manufacturing, alongside fulfilment and dispatch responsibilities.
In his spare time Andy is a keen amateur photographer who specialises in portraiture and is a committed family man who lives with his partner Edyta.
Strand Hardware’s Managing Director, Steve Marshall, said: “I am delighted to promote Jo and Andy within the company. They are both integral to Strand’s key operations, ensuring their smooth running and maximising opportunities for efficient and effective work practices.
“As a recent newcomer myself, I am pleased that they will strengthen the management team moving forward. They both have amazing qualities: Jo’s purchasing and sales background means that she is very target and deadline driven while Andy demonstrates great diligence and a commitment to managing services which are effectively the heartbeat of our organisation.”