ANDREW BLACKETT
Shotton Colliery,Durham
Summary
Results-driven Engineering & Facilities Manager with 30 years of leadership in FMCG, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Expertise in minimising downtime, enhancing reliability, executing major CAPEX projects, and developing high-performing engineering teams. Strong technical skills in PLC systems and CMMS optimisation, with a focus on compliance in high-risk environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Facilities Engineering & Maintenance Manager
Crane Authentication Ltd
Washington
03.2017 - Current
- Led engineering and facilities operations for complex site with oxidisers and explosive atmosphere areas, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
- Managed multi-stage vacuum metalising upgrade improving reliability, safety, and performance; CAPEX > £1M.
- Implemented PPM/TPM strategies reducing repeat breakdowns and improving reliability.
- Delivered full LED lighting upgrade achieving 99% maintenance reduction and £25k annual energy savings.
- Oversaw transition from Pirana to MaintMaster CMMS, enhancing accuracy of maintenance data and supporting informed decision-making.
- Ensured compliance with regulations, controlled contractor activities, reported on KPIs, and managed the budget.
Engineering Manager
The Expanded Metal Company
Hartlepool
04.2012 - 03.2017
- Reduced downtime from 1100 hours to 250 hours per month through targeted reliability improvements.
- Developed innovative engineering solutions to optimise performance of ageing equipment.
- Led maintenance and toolroom team of 15 in heavy industrial environment, ensuring operational efficiency.
- Enhanced contractor relationships and established structured maintenance processes for improved service delivery.
Engineer
Faurecia
Washington
04.2011 - 04.2012
- Led shift technicians, delivering specialist PLC and project support to enhance team capabilities.
- Acquired Siemens PLC and ABB robot system training, increasing operational proficiency across the team.
- Supported site-wide technical and continuous improvement initiatives, driving enhanced system reliability and performance.
Engineering Supervisor
Paragon Group
Sunderland
06.2010 - 04.2011
- Led maintenance technicians, managing KPI and budget reporting to ensure alignment with operational goals.
- Enhanced contractor relationships and streamlined maintenance processes for improved service delivery.
- Executed relocation of full printing facility from Derby to Sunderland, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Engineering Supervisor → Engineering Manager
Kerry Ingredients & Flavours
Sunderland / Hartlepool
01.2005 - 06.2010
- Achieved 25% reduction in maintenance spend through right-first-time maintenance.
- Rebuilt and developed maintenance team, enhancing reliability and minimising repeat faults.
- Reported KPIs and operational performance metrics, contributing to strategic management discussions.
- Coordinated full site relocation from Sunderland to Hartlepool, ensuring seamless transition.
Shift Electrician / Apprentice Trainer
NSK Bearings Europe
Peterlee
08.2000 - 01.2005
- Performed electrical maintenance on Omron PLC and Fanuc CNC systems, ensuring operational reliability.
- Executed electrical and PLC projects that enhanced team fault-finding skills and efficiency.
- Assisted in international installation projects, facilitating production line transfer in Poland to meet operational goals.
Maintenance Technician (Electrical)
Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
Washington
04.1998 - 08.2000
- Specialised in Mitsubishi PLC systems within paint shop.
- Enhanced gas-fired oven monitoring systems for improved functionality.
- Assisted with pumping operations in body preparation areas. and processing equipment in body preparation areas.
Apprentice Engineer → Maintenance Engineer
Walkers Snack Foods
Peterlee
09.1992 - 04.1998
- Advanced to electrical maintenance role, supporting packaging and process teams to ensure operational continuity.
- Completed multi-skilled apprenticeship, gaining practical experience in mechanical and electrical disciplines.
- Developed foundational knowledge of programmable logic controllers through hands-on training, enhancing troubleshooting skills. and strong engineering foundations.
Education
BSc (Open) -
The Open University
01-2013
HNC Engineering - Engineering
Wearside College
1996
BTEC National Certificate Engineering - Engineering
Wearside College
1994
BTEC First Certificate Engineering - Engineering
Wearside College
1992
GCSEs -
Shotton Hall Comprehensive
1990
Skills
- Facilities maintenance
- Maintenance strategy
- Maintenance planning
- CMMS implementation
- PLC fault finding
- Legionella compliance
- Compliance management
- Lean & Continuous Improvement
- Engineering leadership
- CAPEX delivery
- Budget control
- Stakeholder management
- Team leadership
- Industrial machinery
Certification
- Allen Bradley PLC (SLC 5/500), 1998
- Mitsubishi PLC Training, 2000
- Siemens Step 7 PLC Training, 2011
- Asbestos Awareness, 2012
- IOSH Working Safely, 2014
- Risk Assessment Training, 2018
- Pirana CMMS Training, 2019
- DSEAR Practical Aspects of DSEAR Compliance Success, 2021
- City & Guilds IEE Wiring Regulations (18th Edition), 2021
- First Aid at Work, 2024
- Legionella Responsible Person, 2024
Custom
- Cycling with a local club and organised events
- Active family life
- Planning multi-city cultural trips across Europe
- Outdoors including hill and mountain walking
- Watersports such as canoeing and kayaking
Interests
- Cycling and cycle touring
- Target shooting
- Mountain - Hill Walking
- Outdoor adventure sports
- Volunteering
References
- Mr Stewart Birch - HR Officer, Crane Authentication Ltd.
40 Phoenix Road, Washington, Tyne & Wear. NE38 0AD
Stewart.birch@craneauthentication.com
Mr Paul Johns - (Reitred) Operations Manager at Crane Authentication
67 North View, Whickham, Newcastle Upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear. NE16 4AY
Pdjohns1967@virginmedia.com
Timeline
Facilities Engineering & Maintenance Manager
Crane Authentication Ltd
03.2017 - Current
Engineering Manager
The Expanded Metal Company
04.2012 - 03.2017
Engineer
Faurecia
04.2011 - 04.2012
Engineering Supervisor
Paragon Group
06.2010 - 04.2011
Engineering Supervisor → Engineering Manager
Kerry Ingredients & Flavours
01.2005 - 06.2010
Shift Electrician / Apprentice Trainer
NSK Bearings Europe
08.2000 - 01.2005
Maintenance Technician (Electrical)
Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK
04.1998 - 08.2000
Apprentice Engineer → Maintenance Engineer
Walkers Snack Foods
09.1992 - 04.1998
BSc (Open) -
The Open University
HNC Engineering - Engineering
Wearside College
BTEC National Certificate Engineering - Engineering
Wearside College
BTEC First Certificate Engineering - Engineering
Wearside College
GCSEs -
Shotton Hall Comprehensive