Meet Chris Sudale
Getting to know Chris Sudale – Team Leader Warehouse at Midland Lead
Currently one of two ‘leading hands’ managing a team of 14 in the factory cutting shop, Chris Sudale has worked for Midland Lead for an impressive 17 years.
Having worked his way up the ranks, he has recently been offered a promotion to Team Leader Warehouse.
Due to step into the new role on April 1st, we thought now was an opportune time to ask Chris a few questions and get to know him a little better…
What were you doing prior to joining the team at Midland Lead?
“I worked as a plasterer and as a coal miner before joining Midland Lead on the factory floor in 1999. I enjoyed it then and have enjoyed it ever since!”
How did the promotion to Team Leader Warehouse come about?
“I’ve climbed the career ladder over the years, so when the role for Team Leader Warehouse cropped up, I decided to go for it. I’m always keen to progress and it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the business.”
What does your current role involve?
“It’s very hands on and has seen me develop multiple skills, from driving the forklifts to operating all the machinery. The new role will see me getting more involved in stock taking and communicating with management.”
What’s the best thing about working for Midland Lead?
“I really value working for a local, family-run business that I’ve had the opportunity to see grow through the years. It was actually the current MD’s father, Koos Tuinenburg, who offered me my first job at Midland Lead, so it’s great to work for a firm that’s been handed down from generation to generation.”
You recently attended Ecobuild 2016, how did you find the experience?
“It was a really interesting and unique opportunity. I helped transport and set up Midland Lead’s stand, and was then able to walk around the exhibition to see over 800 leading UK and international exhibitors. It was a real eye-opener to see the different side of the business, and get a little insight into the wider construction industry.”
What interests you about the lead industry?
“The whole process of lead sheet manufacture is very interesting to me; how we take scrap lead and recycle it to create a fantastic product. I see a great future for lead use in the construction industry, especially with the rise in new builds.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“Midland Lead has a great ethos towards internal promotion, so I’d like to still be here in 10 years, having climbed the career ladder even further.”
How would your colleagues describe you?
“Outgoing, friendly, able to chat with anybody; all qualities that come in handy for the role I’m in.”
What do you like doing out of work?
“I love to play darts in my local pub, and generally socialising with friends.”
What couldn’t you live without?
“I’d have to say my family. While most would probably say their mobile phone, I’m not really into gadgets and am more of a hands-on kind of person, which is probably why I enjoy my job so much!”
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
“I’m a huge Elvis Presley fan, so I’d love to visit Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and his Graceland Mansion. Following Graceland, it would have to be Hawaii, which is actually thought to have been Elvis’ favourite holiday destination!”
