kp and me: Ana Romero

kp and me

Ana Romero

Production Manager in Pravia, Spain

From working with family to exploring new opportunities on the other side of the world, Ana Romero has been making the most of her time at kp. After 22 years, she puts her happiness down to the committed and friendly culture within her team.

What do you do at kp?

My name’s Ana, and I work in Pravia, Spain as a production manager. These days I oversee two of our production sites, but I started my career at kp back in 2001 fresh out of university with a degree in Chemical Sciences and a Master’s in Quality and Environmental Systems. I started working for the Quality Department. After that I was promoted to Production team where I developed Supply Planning tasks before taking responsibility for one manufacturing cell.

How long have your worked at kp for?

When I started working here, I didn’t know I would stay so long; but close to 22 years later and counting, I’ve never looked back. The opportunities to grow, and the changing business environment has meant there has never been a dull moment.

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What the best thing about your team?

I often say that our team in Pravia is like a family – and that’s not just because my sister, husband, and other family members work here. I really feel we’re a close and stable team, and I’m proud of how committed everyone is to safety, quality, and innovation. We pull together as we want to see kp grow, and we all have an eye on how we can continually improve what we do.

It´s a pleasure to be part of kp Pravia’s evolution seeing the company created as TERPLA by a group of friends grow and change according to market and customer demands, first becoming part of LINPAC and later.

Ana Romero

Production Manager, Pravia, Spain

What excites you about your job?

When you work for a company like kp, you have to be ready to change. There have been lots of changes – to management, regulations, bosses etc. - which have directly impacted upon how we work.
These changes can add pressure, but, for instance, it is exciting to be part of the innovation and purchasing journey, knowing you’re working for a company with strong sustainability credentials as we strive to become part of a closed loop for packaging solutions.

Group of people celebrating 1000 days without an LTA at Pravia plant

Have you had to take on new challenges at kp?

When I was younger, I used to dream about moving to Australia if I couldn´t find a good place to work in Spain. Many times, I mentioned to my line manager, I wanted to spend some time far from Pravia and a few months back I was given an opportunity of a lifetime which saw me head to Melbourne, Australia, to partake in a knowledge transfer programme. In the 4 months I lived in Melbourne I enjoyed working with a diverse, new team, and I also challenged and pushed myself out of my normal comfort zone. It was a brilliant personal development opportunity; I’m so grateful to my Melbourne colleagues for welcoming me with open arms, and to everyone who helped cover my role in Pravia whilst I was on secondment as I couldn’t have done this without them.

It was a good time, working hard from Monday to Friday and with time during the weekends to discover wonderful Australian places.

Have you been inspired by any of your colleagues?

I think it is fair to say I’ve been inspired by a lot of people during my time at kp. Certain leaders stand out as their leadership style and ability to champion us all made a huge contribution to how our team operates now. It is a testament to their management that our teams are so integrated, able to understand and react to customer needs, and ready to solve complex issues.
Also, the passion I see every day in colleagues helping to create the best for kp, inspires me.

I feel you can grow so much at kp if you’ve got the commitment to push yourself, and if you focus on kp growing.

What’s next?

When people ask me where I see my career going, I’m just going to keep dreaming and working hard, as I know that will deliver. I love my role and the opportunities it has given me, and I’m up for seeing where it takes me in the future; I feel you can grow so much at kp if you’ve got the commitment to push yourself, and if you focus on kp growing.

What do you get up to outside of work?

I have to admit, I have a weakness for puzzles and Lego constructions.

Aside from work, I love spending time with my family and friends (they are my best treasure) and I’m a keen cook although I don´t have enough time. Maybe the reason is in my family gastronomy background.

I also love travel and to take road trips on our trusty Vespa where I can often be found plotting my next adventure trekking the mountains or relaxing on the beach. Who knows, maybe I’ll take a sabbatical one day and Vespa all the way to Australia!
It wouldn´t be a bad plan.