SONE Products expand business prospects with increased workforce

County Durham firm SONE Products have continued to expand their business prospects as they increase their workforce.

The Stanley-based company have taken on three new permanent staff members to continue SONE’s growth strategy.

Tony Burnell has taken on the role of business development manager , Duncan Wormald joins as project engineer and Amandine Leighton, has joined as customer service assistant.

SONE’s Chairman and CEO, Raymond Oliver said: “I am delighted to announce these latest appointments to our growing team of highly experienced individuals.

“Tony has a wealth of knowledge about the packaging industry and a proven track record of increasing sales, identifying new customers and gaining access to new markets.

“His experience of overseas markets, such as Europe and the USA, sits well with our existing customer base and strategy for growth and diversification.

“I am confident in his ability to make a positive contribution to the company’s development and increase our market share, as we seek to become manufacturer of choice to an array of brand leaders.”

SONE have also taken on German student, Friederike Reess in a six-month industry placement.

Friederike, who is studying Business Administration at the Hochschule Heilbronn, Stuttgart, will attend Northumbria University for two semesters after the placement.

A native German speaker, Friederike is also fluent in English and speaks some French, now in situ at SONE’s Durham manufacturing base, she will be working across various areas of the business..

Duncan Wormald joins SONE in the newly created position of project engineer, having spent 26 years in the plastics industry.

Duncan brings with him a comprehensive knowledge of polymer materials and continuous improvement procedure, he will be working on the development of materials-related processes to help the company develop into new markets.

Amandine’s arrival will allow SONE to build on its growing reputation for high levels of customer service.

In addition to working with the company’s customer service co-ordinator, she will also be assisting the sales team, putting her previous experience and multi-lingual skills to great effect.

Mr Oliver said: “Introducing multi-lingual staff to the business brings a range of benefits, particularly to our overseas customers who appreciate the increased efficiency and commitment we are showing to their markets.’’