Meet the Maker – Specialist Bottle Maker

We love speaking about our industry, the markets we know best and of course, manufacturing beautiful glass. containers But we came to the realisation that, as much as we love speaking to our audiences, you don’t have a face to put to the Verallia name. So, we have decided to run our very own ‘Meet the Maker’ series in which we will introduce you to some of our most esteemed and knowledgeable team members!

The first person we’d like to introduce you to is Alan Moon, one of our specialist bottle makers who has been with Verallia a whopping 29 years! So, he really knows his stuff.

Alan, tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m Alan Moon, I am 50 years of age and have been working at Verallia (formerly Allied Glass)’s Knottingley factory for 29 years.  I started as a Cellar Labourer and then progressed to many different roles within the Hot End, Spare Operator, Machine Operator, Assistant Chief Operator, moving to the machine Start Up Team and now Production Specialist, so I’ve made my way around the factory and learnt as much as there is to know.

Which department do you work in?

I work in Hot End Production where we manufacture the glass containers.

Can you explain your job role? And what a typical day looks like for you?

I ensure that Verallia’s Knottingley production is running at an optimum. I can spend my day finding faults, diagnostics and general trouble shooting. I help assisting on job changes which is the swapping of moulds on the machinery, sampling new containers and much, much more.

What do you enjoy most about working at Verallia?

Definitely the people. I work on days with 5 shifts and there are always people to assist, develop and advise. It’s great to see new trainees on the shopfloor being able to pass on my knowledge to them is really satisfying.

What trends are you seeing happening in the glass industry?

Innovation!  Both from our suppliers and our own internal departments.

Innovation within the hot end has recently seen Allied install an Xpar and swab robot machine – both great assets for increasing packed ware and the quality of the containers made on our machines.

Our design team are also pushing the boundaries of NPD with some truly amazing designs which have been fantastic to be involved with from sampling the glass to seeing them on shelves in stores.

What’s your favourite product to make?

I honestly have no favourite.  Myself and my team apply the same focus to each and every product we make across our 7 lines.  The same quality approach is given to a jar as to a luxury extra white flint glass bottle. 

What is your go to drink?

Coffee made by my boss Russ Carley – most of which come in a can – not a bottle.

Alan is one of our specialist bottle makers at Verallia and has aided in the production of some of our most beautiful lines of glass. If you have enjoyed getting to know Alan, then keep your eyes peeled as we will be releasing further interviews from our specialist team!

Verallia is dedicated to bringing the world’s most prestigious brands to life, and our employees are at the center of this. If you would be interested in working for us, do not hesitate to contact us.