Stuart Simm
Saica Pack’s national development centre manager Stuart Simm talks paper, design and the great outdoors
Describe yourself in three words.
Friendly, dedicated, hardworking.
What’s your biggest professional achievement?
I joined the corrugated industry in 1989 as a trainee designer and now I lead the Saica Pack design and technical team for the UK and Ireland business.
How did you get to where you are today?
Hard work, dedication and a sprinkling of design skill.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Each day is different – I could be sitting with my creative team coming up with innovative ideas for new packaging; visiting customers to review their project requirements that can be technical, structural or creative; or visiting a Saica Pack production plant.
What have been the highlights of your company’s history, in your opinion?
I think the fulfilment of the Saica business strategy, closing the integration loop. In the UK&I this was enabled with the opening of the Saica Paper Mill in Carrington in 2012. State of the art technology is used in the SAICA mills to produce lightweight corrugated case materials.
What is your pet hate?
Negativity.
Give us a positive prediction for the food industry over the next 12 months.
With consumers moving towards convenience I see the increased use of smaller pack counts and lighter weight high performance papers, which in turn could lead to increased use of corrugated packaging.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Only asking people to do things that you would be prepared to do yourself.
Who do you most admire?
Sir Frank Williams. His dedication and commitment to his chosen area of business and passion, Formula 1, his tenacity and resilience are incredible.
Which people/organisations or companies are the ones to watch right now?
Probably the growth of discounters and the increase in internet shopping. Both of these will have a massive impact on secondary packaging.
Which words do you most overuse?
Please, thank you and sorry.
If you weren’t in your current position, what else might you be doing?
I’ve always fancied being an outward bounds instructor of some sort.
Tell us something about yourself that few people know.
For fun I take part in obstacle course races – running, mud, ditches etc.
Any vices?
Not really, unless excessive passion for motorsport counts.
What single thing would most improve the quality of your life?
More time.
How do you relax?
I love being at home and enjoy going to the gym in my spare time.
How would you like to be remembered?
Someone who made a difference but was fair.
