With nearly 13 years of working at our TRADELINK Mildenhall factory site, Operations Support Supervisor Ana Bento, is without doubt one of life’s most conscientious people. Ana’s approach to the role that she has dealing with purchasing and stock control strongly supports our manufacturing facility and earns her the ‘claim’ of a Zero stock-out track record given of course, circumstances within her control – Keep up the great work Ana!

What is your current role at TRADELINK?

I first started at TRADELINK back in 2008 having applied for a job as a factory floor operative. My responsibility has changes somewhat, after showing an interest in understanding our supply chain and the manufacturing components we require my current role is Operations Support Supervisor.

What motivates you to wake up and go to work?

I really appreciate simple things, for example; having a great team to work with and being respected for the job that I do. In addition, I am continuously looking for opportunities and ways to save time and money for TRADELINK – this is important to me and provides a lot of personal job satisfaction.

What has changed most at TRADELINK post lockdown?

Rapidly approaching 6 months since returning to work post lockdown and my multi-site presence, one of the biggest challenges is complying with all of the existing PPE requirements along with the evolving need for COVID safe compliance. At the end of the day, this situation has to be taken seriously by all.

What is the most demanding part of your current role?

I have responsibility for supplying our other factories based at March with a number of component parts from the stock I manage here. This is find more challenging as working remotely removes a degree of direct control and increases the pressure of knowing that more production staff are reliant on me.

What has been your favourite project so far?

Along with designing and implementing our own Kanban stock control system here at our TRADELINK Mildenhall factory, I have further developed a more detailed system allowing purchasing and handling individual hardware components which is helping reduce un-necessary cost to the business.

What is the best thing about your job?

It’s true to say that my ‘passionate’ approach to my job has gained a lot of respect from the TRADELINK team members that I work with. As a result, the opportunity to develop a rewarding career path has presented itself. I am grateful for being valued for my contribution via the appreciation shown by my colleagues.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I love travelling, and moved to England from Portugal back in 2000. Along with my husband, we were originally persuaded to visit a close family friend here in the UK.

And lastly, remembering a fun moment post lockdown, make us all smile?

The recent look on our site-to-site transfer lorry driver Steve’s face. Heading towards my desk armed with a beautiful bunch of flowers accompanied by a note containing a few words of encouragement. Thank-you Karen (and Steve).

A big THANK-YOU to Ana from all the Team at TRADELINK