With more than 25 years working in the packaging industry, Eric Marshall, Operations Manager brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company. Located at our manufacturing site in Preston, Eric oversees the quality of outputs and manages the plant ensuring a smooth and efficient process is achieved consistently that meets the expectations and needs of customers.

Looking after the daily operation of Board24 Preston, Eric is an integral part of the company, with the organisational skills to make sure nothing is missed and the company is in fine running order in a fast paced environment where everyone has to play a part from reel stores to production to despatch.

Even as a young lad Eric began his 47 year journey, starting out as an apprentice gaining his BTEC and HNC qualifications in Mechanical Engineering and Process Control Engineering at Coalville Technical College. Having completed his college course Eric started his career working as a miner for 20 years and even worked alongside some of his fellow Board24 colleagues.

Starting as a Shift Fitter at Coalville under the then ownership of Modelboard, which later became Mondi Sheetfeeding before its current Logson ownership. He then progressed on to Engineering Supervisor, before coming Department Engineering Manager. As the business evolved Eric moved from the Coalville site to take up the position of Engineering Manager at Board24 Preston before later becoming Operations Manager, a role in which he has been in for 13 years.

Eric has been involved in a number of investment projects over the years. The most significant being a £9m investment in a new corrugator, which not only involved the machine purchase, but a 52,000 sq. ft. extension, along with handling lines and strapping equipment, which enable the business to double its output. This saw the completion of phase two of a three phase expansion plan. The site is now embarking upon the third, which will see the site double the size of its finished good area and further enhance handling lines by increased the site by a further 42,000 sq. ft., all of which will be overseen by Eric.

Eric enjoys working with an interactive and supportive team; he likes the responsibility of managing a number of teams and the continually changing work day as no two days are the same. Eric comments; “when working within a just in time environment you have to rely on so many people, the Team at Preston is the key to its success along with the unlimited support from our Directors and owners. The flat Management structure means that decisions are made very quickly, which also plays its part“

Outside of the corrugated world, things are not quite as peaceful as he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, who keep him busy. A time when he does find a bit of peace is when he is out perusing his hobby of photography, a pastime he thoroughly enjoys and even has the odd piece of work in the office. To pick up the pace again, Eric is a long time Sunderland supporter and has enjoyed watching the recent world cup.