Peter Cornish, Operations Manager, Rowecord Engineering Ltd


Finalist: Businesses with more than 250 employeees

Rowecord Engineering is the largest steel fabricator in Wales, specialising in bridge design and structural steelwork, with manufacturing facilities in Newport, Baglan and Swansea.

Peter has been instrumental in turning Rowecord’s waste streaming activities around since joining the company in October 2006. The company has gone from recycling less than 2% of its waste in 2006 to more than 80% by the end of 2007.

Initially, Peter set up visits to companies who already had successful waste streaming activities in order to set a bench mark to measure Rowecord’s success against. Along with the Health and Safety Manager, Peter successfully pinpointed areas for improvement and identified ‘Champions’ within the company; particular individuals responsible for ensuring new procedures were implemented.

In doing this, Peter was able to launch the ‘Shine’ project and the ‘Shine Champion Committee’, which he himself chaired. This focused on helping implement a ‘lean’ manufacturing and management system that has led to vast improvements in shop floor housekeeping and cleanliness and also helped reduce the number of accidents.

By monitoring mixed waste and through a procedures and recycling programme instigated by Peter, the company has seen a cost reduction of £50k per annum. Peter was also able to organise and actively push suitable recycling suppliers to deal with Rowecord’s needs and help bring about the improvements Peter was determined to make.

Peter has supported, mentored and motivated his colleagues towards achieving their personal goals and has always been on hand to share with co-workers his years of experience within the steel industry. His forward thinking, dedication and knowledge has made a real difference at Rowecord.

Tell us something your colleagues don’t know about you?
I was young musician of the year in 1971 and I am a principal Baritone

Who inspires you?
Sir Clive Woodward

What is your top leadership tip?
Listen and be proactive