Team spotlight - Robin Meredith

Recently, our carpet production manager, Robin Meredith, reached the milestone of 19 years at Autex Acoustics®. His knowledge and commitment to our Special Services team over that period was crucial to how they have developed. Having moved into his new role within the Carpets Division, we sat down with him to learn more about his career so far.

How long have you been working at Autex Acoustics?

 

I have been here for 18 years and 9 months. 18 years and 8 months of that has been in Special Services with my most recent move into the Carpet Production Manager role.

 

What is your working history like?

 

I moved from Samoa back in 2004 where I used to work for my Dad. After arriving here I managed to get a job at Autex Acoustics within a month. Joe, who worked in Special Services, is my Uncle and so he helped me link up with the team to find a job. Working here has been my life since arriving in New Zealand.

 

Why have you worked at Autex Acoustics for so long? 

 

There are a lot of reasons. Every week is different and I face new challenges every day. There is also a real commitment from the team here. We come into work and there is a focus on just getting the job done.

 

What is your favourite memory from working at Autex Acoustics?

 

That would be working for Special Services especially down at Copsey Place. This was the first New Zealand division to work outside of the Rosebank Road location. I really enjoyed the family-like culture within the team during that time. We started with three staff and grew to 25 over the nine years I was there. I got to see a lot of growth and change in both people and how the business operated.

What is your favourite part of working at Autex Acoustics?

 

That would be working closely with my team. We have good people that help each other no matter what position we hold. This means that there is always someone there that can help and you can learn from.

 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt while working at Autex Acoustics?

 

Always ask for help when you need it. In Island culture there is a lot of pride which leads to people not reaching out when they need to. When I first started I was stubborn and felt like I could do everything. All you need to do is stop and ask for help.

 

How do you keep yourself busy outside of work?

 

My kids keep me pretty busy. I have three boys and one girl. Two of them play rugby so there is a lot of time spent keeping them entertained.

 

How are you finding your new role? 

 

The new role has been challenging. Moving into a new area of the business I am having to learn about new people, what they are like, how much they know about the machines, and what they are capable of. Every week poses a new challenge and I enjoy that.