The People in Glazing: Cem Griffiths – REHAU

Not many people get to say they’ve really seen everything there is to do at a company as big as REHAU, but Cem Griffiths, a Sales Coordinator in Windows Solutions, can claim that feat. In this piece, Cem describes his journey throughout the company, including what drew him into the fenestration industry, and the transition from working in the factory in Blaenau Ffestiniog to joining the sales team up in Manchester.

Why did you join REHAU?

I first heard about REHAU as I grew up not far from their Blaenau Ffestiniog factory. Being the biggest industry in the area apart from tourism, it really has become a staple in North Wales. I didn’t start my career at REHAU though, as I originally worked as a carpenter, and used to fit windows.

After learning the trade, I saw there were opportunities available to me through REHAU that really interested me. I felt that, as a company, they reflected my values through their family ownership, caring for their employees and that they promote the development of skills. I thought I wouldn’t mind being a part of a larger entity like that, especially as everything where I’m from is quite small compared to a large, multi-national company like REHAU. That was over three years ago, and I’ve not looked back since!

What is your role within REHAU?

Originally, I started within the factory at Blaenau Ffestiniog, moving between different departments before eventually moving to our Manchester Sales Office. Currently, my role is an IDM internal account manager, which means I deal with the day-to-day workings of customers. Be it taking phone calls, answering emails, order processing, accounts management, or claims processing, you name it, we do it!

We also support the external sales managers who bring in new business. We assist them on the accounts they bring in and support them in their role as a manager.

What is your career highlight so far at REHAU?

I think the main highlight must be the transition from working in the factory to moving 100+ miles away to Manchester to pursue a career with REHAU in sales. It’s really a complete shift of what I did in terms of my day-to-day, going from a full hands-on production role to now dealing with customers day in day out. Having that big of a career change within the same company and it being supported by REHAU is something I’m proud of.

The move from the factory to sales wasn’t just supported but encouraged too. I received a lot of great early feedback and praise for making the transition, and before then I didn’t even know it could be an option! I had considered moving to the area before, because my partner is from Manchester originally, so I was thinking about relocating here regardless. And while I was on holiday, I saw the ad come up in the internal newsletter. REHAU were able to accommodate me in my plans to move to Manchester, and as they say, the rest is history!

How does transferring from the factory to sales help you in your role?

Day-to-day it really does help. If the customer ever has niche question, I’m in a really good position to know the answer. I have a lot of customers that send me an image and ask what’s caused an issue or ask a question about product. Having the experience in the factory enables me to quickly see these problems and come back with a good answer.

Having some on-hand knowledge is great, as in most cases I have handled the profile a lot in my old role! Two and a half years working in divisions such as extrusion to lamination gives you a good insight as to what the customers are expecting and gives you a good insight of how to how to deal with problems that do come up as well.

How have you been supported so far at REHAU?

In terms of support, I couldn’t really ask for better management and a structure. There’s very much an attitude of “oh, let’s see what we can do to make that happen”. Or, they’ll say “let’s put some things in in place to make it happen”. Me having this job in the first place is because of this. My development has also increased thanks to the amount of courses offered at Ross-on-Wye, or the company paying for a LinkedIn learning licence for all employees. We’ve really been supported in our roles.

How did you find out about the NFA Award nomination?

Firstly, it was a shock that I’m still considered young! In all seriousness, it was an honour be thought of in that regard by the company. I was told by Natalie in our marketing team that I’d been nominated for young person of the year, and it was a real testament to the hard work I’ve put in, alongside the whole team.