Employee Spotlight is a new blog series by industrial insulation manufacturer SUM Ltd, meant to shine a figurative spotlight on our employees and highlight the incredible individuals behind SUM Ltd. From designers to seamstresses to sales representatives, you’ll get to know the faces behind the family owned and operated multi-national corporation.
In the first blog of the series, we’re chatting with Gladys, one of our Designers. Let’s learn more about her!
Hi Gladys, thanks for sitting down with us today. Can you please tell us what your role is at SUM Ltd?
I’m a Designer. My job is making patterns for pipes and creating designs from drawings.
How long have you been working for SUM Ltd?
I have been working at SUM Ltd for 8 years now.
Wow, 8 years. How did you first learn about SUM Ltd back then?
I learned about SUM Ltd online. I was applying for seamstress jobs and came across a posting from SUM Ltd so I decided to apply.
What drew you to apply to SUM Ltd?
I initially started in the sewing room due to my background as a fashion designer in my home country. I had some prior knowledge in sewing and design, but it was easy to make the decision to apply for SUM Ltd because training was promised. During the job interview, my supervisor told me that I could work as a designer in the future with SUM Ltd, which excited me.
How has SUM Ltd changed since you first started 8 years ago?
SUM Ltd has changed a lot since I started working here and the company has grown significantly. Our clientele has grown significantly as well. At first, I was SUM Ltd’s only designer. Now, we’ve tripled the number of designers needed. So yes, the company has changed quite a bit.
What is your favourite part about working for SUM Ltd?
What I love most about my job is that my mind is kept busy all the time. There is always a new problem to solve as a designer and searching for ways to solve these problems optimally is intrinsically rewarding.
What skills have you learned at SUM Ltd?
I started my career at SUM Ltd as a seamstress—understanding the work culture, the processes and daily tasks. After as little as five months, I was offered the role as a designer! It’s been an amazing 8 years where I’ve learned a variety of skills, but the skills that are most useful to me were creating designs from scratch, mathematical skills, and gaining knowledge about geometrics.
What style of training does SUM Ltd offer to support their employees?
New hires always have a mentor that is experienced in the role to guide them through the process, regardless of what department they work in. SUM Ltd prepares a new hire for their role by explaining their tasks and responsibilities in each department. There is always someone available to explain the job for everyone. It’s a very friendly company for newcomers.
What does your general day look like at SUM Ltd?
I start the day by checking on drawings for new orders. Each of our customers has their own specific needs when it comes to an insulation blanket, so it is important to know who needs what. Next, much of my day is spent fulfilling each design. Depending on the complexity, certain designs require more of my attention—as much as 4 to 5 hours of the day! Once the design is complete, I send the pattern to the cutting table, where my colleagues will execute on it.
What is your proudest moment at SUM Ltd?
One of the hardest designs that I’ve created was a cone-shaped insulation blanket. When I was first given the drawings, I had no idea what to do. However, in order to be successful in this design role, you need to have the patience to find clever solutions to difficult problems like this one. I failed several times in my search for the right solution, but through trial and error, one day I finally figured it out! I felt that my expertise in the role expanded greatly that day.
Do you have any advice for prospective SUM Ltd employees or new hires?
When you first start out, the job can be very overwhelming, and the learning curve can be quite steep. However, having patience and a strong attention to detail will find you the most success at this company.
Would you recommend working at SUM Ltd to your friends and family?
Yes! I would absolutely recommend this company. Our supervisors understand the learning curve can be quite steep, but they give us the time to learn the job correctly. The environment is friendly, diverse, and a great opportunity for newcomers to Canada. I highly recommend SUM Ltd for anyone that has strong sewing and/or design knowledge.
SUM Ltd is hiring!
Interested in learning more about Gladys’ work on the Design team? Do you yourself have sewing and design knowledge and an eagerness to learn and grow your skills in a welcoming and inclusive environment? SUM Ltd is hiring a Seamstress or Tailor to join our team! If you can sew on a single, double and multi-needle machine and have communication skills, problem-solving skills and a strong attention to detail, we want to hear from you! Learn more about our career opportunities here.