Elaine’s skills track the growth of firm

Elaine Cook (front right) with colleagues at Quantum Profile Systems Ltd, Salmon Field

A WOMAN marking 35 years’ work for an award-winning PVC products manufacturer says good staff development linked to the firm’s lean business philosophy is a key factor in her long service.

Elaine Cook (61) is a qualified accounts assistant for Quantum Profile Systems Ltd, based in Salmon Field, Royton. She joined the firm during the early 1980s in a very different role — packing products on the factory floor. Over the years, Elaine has taken on different roles and opportunities, including achieving an AAT accountancy qualification.

Quantum Profile Systems was a finalist in the Best Manufacturer category of the 2015 Oldham Business Awards and is a champion of “lean” manufacturing - which focuses on minimal waste and high quality products and services.

Quantum’s roots began in Littleborough but it moved to Royton in 1996 when it needed bigger premises.

Quantum makes rigid and flexible PVC products for the building industry — flooring, window frame, door and cavity wall accessories, trims and other fixtures.

Quantum has four main brands — Quantum Flooring, Dacatie, Qwood and Q Lean Solutions. Its products are used on houses, commercial offices, hospitals, schools, shops, hotels and leisure centres.

Elaine recalled: “In the early days my role was packing plastic products. We made other products at the time including plastic pipes for baby-walkers and tubing used for handbags. But the firm has gradually focused on building industry products. Quantum always had been a good place to work.”

Elaine’s current duties include processing invoices and payments, pension administration and wages.

Quantum currently employs over 90 people, of which 75 are based at Royton with another 15 in sales roles across the UK.