Employee Spotlight: Andy Wright – Production and Purchasing Manager

Ionoptika is very proud of its skilled and dedicated staff, who together with our loyal users make up our global community. Today we interview our Production and Purchasing Manager, Andy Wright.

Andy joined our team in 2022 and manages production and purchasing, helping the company run smoothly. Today we learn more about him and his role at Ionoptika.

How long have you worked at Ionoptika and what career path brought you to us?

I have worked at Ionoptika for just over 2 years.

I started my career with the Ministry of Defence, progressing from Apprentice, Electrical Fitter, Graduate Engineer, Technical Officer and Project Engineer. I’ve gained diverse experience at several startups, including Quantum Research (now Atmel/ Microchip), Luminisity (now part of Microsoft) and I2O Water (now Mueller Water Products), where I was principally production Manager. My career then took me into new diverse roles such as Production and Quality Manager, Business Assurance Manager, Project Quality Engineer and Operations Director at various companies.

Why did you decide to study science when you were in school or university?

I studied Physics and technical drawing in school and developed a passion for how things worked and engineering. During my apprenticeship, I completed my ONC and HNC in Electrical & Electronics Engineering. I then decided to pursue a degree to further advance my career.

Can you describe a typical day working here as Production and Purchasing Manager?

My role involves overseeing production and purchasing activities, weekly/ daily planning production, purchasing and sales orders delivery, problem solving, and slowly implementing systematic process improvements. I work closely with Engineering, Sales, Management and customers, and try to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

What has been your best memory or achievement in your working life?

In my personal career I started as an apprentice, earned several apprenticeship and industry awards, and eventually became an Operations Director.

What do you enjoy most about working at Ionoptika and what do you love most about your job?

I enjoy working at Ionoptika because of the people, the strong teamwork ethic, the positive work environment and the product.

I take pride in delivering products on or ahead of schedule to our customers.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy cooking, spending time with my family and supporting my son in his taekwondo tournaments and music performances. I enjoy being outdoors and walking the dog, and have also taken up gardening and hydroponics in the last few years. 

Interested in becoming part of our team? Visit our Careers page.