FLEXTRONICS Global Services and Software (FGSS) is a global provider of logistics and aftermarket services with more than 25 sites and 12,000 employees across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Around 260 people work at the company’s Warrington site, based in Appleton, and this location performs an important role as the Global Control Tower for Service Parts Logistics for other sites around the world, as well as being the centre for UK and Ireland Repairs.

FGSS Warrington’s general manager, Mike Meades, gives us an insight into the challenges and achievements he’s experienced during his time at the Warrington site.

Q: How long have you been with the company?

A: I’ve been with Flextronics for five years now.

Q: What have been the highlights of your time there so far?

A: Last year we won an award for ‘Best Site’ within the entire Flextronics group. It’s a global organisation with around 140 locations worldwide, so that was a real achievement for us.

Q: What are your goals for the future?

A: At the moment our business is mostly in Service Parts Logistics for electronics manufacturers. My biggest goal is for us to diversify our customer base and move into other sectors, such as infrastructure and medical.

Q: How hard has it been for the business during the current economic problems?

A: Our main challenge has been our customers requesting cost reductions to keep hold of their business.

Q: How do you make the company stand out?

A: We are recognised as a global centre of excellence for Service Parts Logistics within the wider Flextronics group and there are plans in place for us to continue developing that area of our business.

Q: What about your home life?

A: I live with my wife in Marford, which is in Wrexham. Sport is my main leisure activity and I enjoy football, rugby and tennis. I’m also a West Ham supporter.

Q: Where and what did you study at university?

A: I studied Mechanical and Production Engineering at the University of Manchester.

Q: How did you get into this type of business?

A: I’m originally from Leytonstone in East London, like David Beckham and Jonathan Ross, so once I’d finished university, I spent some years back in the South East working in Brighton and Crawley. I always wanted to get into this industry and before coming to Flextronics, I was Plant Manager at a company called Rexam and then Manufacturing and Operations Director at a firm called GSI.