MD Mike Jordan takes on the illustrious PlastikMedia ‘Hot Seat’
10 September 2018
Summit Systems supply the world’s most advanced ancillary technology. Mike Jordan founded the company in 1989, after 10 years working in the plastics industry. Mike’s ambition has always been (and continues to be) keeping Summit the most innovative and customer focused supplier within the industry. He is the next PlastikCity Partner to face the Hot Seat…
What trends do you think will shape the future of UK plastics? How will Summit Systems respond?
The UK have great designers and engineers, albeit not enough, I believe the industry will be more technology focussed and the emphasis will shift towards a better understanding of the moulding process in order to make better products, faster and with less energy and scrap waste. I also believe more recycled feed stock will be produced and as a result the production processes will adapt to manage the change in characteristics.
How has Summit Systems developed during your tenure?
It’s always been under my tenure, so customer service and delivering the world’s best technology options by not being tied to one supplier is a passion, plus the No1 company in our field with genuine 24/7 back up, but if you are asking how we are continuing to develop then looking at the people we have recruited in the last 18 months explain the focus on total machine integration and a broader R & D view of material drying and the goal of the ultimate drying process.
What do you credit as the key to your success?
Amazing suppliers and a passionate team of people from sales through to delivery that are interested in the business. It is impossible to credit one element but if you are fair and honest and are prepared to stand up and be counted success follows.
What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
Setting up a quality recycling plant which I closed down after constantly being knocked back by either poor overpriced feedstock plus (at the time) a government and community that was not genuinely committed to recycling. Added to a massive drop in polymer prices, the perfect storm.
What advice do you wish you’d had on entering the industry and does that differ from the advice you would give to an Apprentice joining now?
Personally I wouldn’t change a thing, and would give similar advice to an apprentice & that is – get a good grounding across each processing discipline and material type, plus ask lots of questions of those that know. We are generally a terrific community who love sharing our passion!
What hidden talents do you have?
Don’t ask anyone from my Rugby Club! (Or the directors of Aquapurge!)
Feature published on PlastikMedia