Interviewer: It was starting to look impossible, but we’ve actually managed to pin down PPE’s new Plant Manager at Blackburn – welcome, Mark Rawson! Well, I say new…
MR: Hasn’t it been around three months now that we’ve been trying to do a welcome interview?
Something like that! But I’m absolutely positive that it’ll be worth the wait. So we’ve mentioned that you’re the Plant Manager for PPE Blackburn, but what does that involve?
I’m here to enable everybody on and off site to ensure that we deliver on time and in full to all our customers. It’s about providing a service level which keeps our customers coming back to PPE with their sealing requirements.
I feel like I should let you off for the three month wait, you sound pretty busy!
There’s definitely been a lot of exciting projects going on around the facility. No time to be bored, which is a good thing!
Do you have a work-based achievement which you’re particularly proud of?
I was actually a part of the team which brought Eurostar into service. That was something I was happy to be a part of. And during COVID I was trusted with the installation of a new business unit and production line. Hopefully there’s a lot more to come here in Blackburn in the months to come.
How about outside of work?
I feel like I hit the jackpot with my wife Claire. We’ve been supporting each other for over 30 years now, which feels like an achievement – in a good way! And to a lesser extent – if she’s reading – I’m also proud to have been twice on the inside cover of Dire Straits live albums!
Dare I ask you about music?!
I’ve always loved all kinds of hard rock. And blues as well. I’d say all together I’ve got over a 1000 CDs and a few hundred vinyl records – I’ve got an addictive gene where I have to have all the albums my favourite bands and all their members have recorded.
Could you restrict yourself to your three top bands?
No chance!
How about top five?
Still sacrilege but I’d say top spot to Thin Lizzy – I’m obsessed with them. One of my top musical memories was Thin Lizzy’s last ever London show with Phil Lynott. And then beyond Thin Lizzy there’s a whole bunch of bands like Boston, Jefferson Airship/Starship, Blue Oyster Cult, Pat Travers. And that’s before we’ve got to blues.
Go on, I’ll indulge you! What are your favourite blues acts?
You asked for it… there’s Joe Bonamassa, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepperd. I’ve also got all Gary Moore’s albums, and then Albert King’s back catalogue. Should I stop there?
I think I’ve pushed my luck already, so I’m going to say yes! Is it just listening or do you play as well?
I was gifted a guitar for my 40th birthday, but I can only play three chords so maybe I’m not a natural talent.
Three was enough for Status Quo.
That’s true, maybe there’s time for me yet to get my name up in lights!
What else do you do in your spare time?
I love cooking – especially Mediterranean-inspired food. I also enjoy travel, photography and music. Oh, and I follow Manchester City.
He says apologetically.
From around 1970, so I don’t have to be too embarrassed about it. With all the bad times I’ve seen over the decades, I’ve earned that treble!
I can’t dwell on football, I’m a United fan. So let’s move on quickly! You said you liked Mediterranean food, is that your favourite holiday destination?
I think Greece is definitely up there – something about that contrast of beautiful greenery and white sands. Although now we love the Moray Firth in Scotland. We intend to retire there.
What’s your biggest weakness?
I’d say malt whisky. I’ve built up a pretty big collection from around the world.
I think I’d have emptied it all over the course of a decade under the Glazers ownership. Do you have a favourite movie or TV show?
Depends what mood I’m in when you ask me, but right now I’d probably say Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Or the Blues Brothers.
What’s your most valued possession?
I have a pocket watch that my father exchanged for his cigarette ration when in Germany in 1945. That’s invaluable to me.
Is there anything at the top of your bucket list which you want to achieve next?
I don’t have one. I truly believe that I need to live in the here and now.
We’ll just close up with a quick fire round, just one word answers! Dogs or cats?
Cats.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee.
Sweet or savoury?
Savoury.
Morning person or night owl?
Mornings are for me!
Thanks so much for your time Mark! I look forward to many miserable Monday mornings following derby batterings.
I’m not going to jinx it!