in the spotlight:
Lee Winterbottom, Toolroom Manager
Meet Lee, our multi skilled Mechanical Design Engineer and Toolroom Manager.
With a career spanning 20 years at Louvolite, Lee brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to the Engineering department. His journey began with a passion for engineering, leading him to explore various roles within the company and develop expertise in areas like tool design, manufacturing processes and project management. Lee's collaborative spirit and willingness to share his knowledge make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Read more about his journey with Louvolite below and discover how Lee's contributions have helped shape the quality and innovation behind our products.
Meet Lee, our multi skilled Mechanical Design Engineer and Toolroom Manager. With a career spanning 20 years at Louvolite, Lee brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to the Engineering department. His journey began with a passion for engineering, leading him to explore various roles within the company and develop expertise in areas like tool design, manufacturing processes and project management. Lee's collaborative spirit and willingness to share his knowledge make him an invaluable asset to the team. Read more about his journey with Louvolite below and discover how Lee's contributions have helped shape the quality and innovation behind our products.
When did you start working at the company?
I started working at Louvolite in March 2004. Having previously completed my advanced engineering apprenticeship at a company that manufactured items for Ministry of Defence contracts and punch and dies for various clients, I gained valuable experience that helped give me an advantage for the role. As a result, I was fortunate to be offered a position in Louvolite's precision engineering division.
When did you start working at the company?
I started working at Louvolite in March 2004. Having previously completed my advanced engineering apprenticeship at a company that manufactured items for Ministry of Defence contracts and punch and dies for various clients, I gained valuable experience that helped give me an advantage for the role. As a result, I was fortunate to be offered a position in Louvolite's precision engineering division.
What does your role entail, your day to day?
My current position consists of two roles: Mechanical Design Engineer and Toolroom Manager. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, I’m responsible for designing injection mould tools and progression press tooling, as well as researching and developing prototype concepts and handling all mechanical-related tasks. I work closely with Louvolite's design team to ensure seamless collaboration. In my role as Toolroom Manager, I oversee the toolroom’s operations, liaising with senior management to discuss lead times and the status of current and future projects. I also work closely with my colleagues in the toolroom, offering support wherever needed to maximise efficiency without compromising on quality.
Have you always been in this role?
Over the past 20 years at Louvolite, I’ve held various roles within the engineering department, eventually progressing into a managerial position in 2022. Despite this shift into management, I still maintain a strong passion for hands-on work, often assisting my colleagues on the toolroom floor with active projects. These projects range from designing and manufacturing components for our extensive range of injection moulds and progression press tools to developing prototypes and new systems. Our toolroom is fully equipped to manufacture anything needed to support our operations.
How far have you come since you started?
Since joining Louvolite in 2004, it’s been quite a journey. I started assembling punch and dies, supporting the production of Louvolite window blind systems. In 2007, I was promoted to Research and Development Engineer, collaborating with the design team to build, test and refine projects. By 2008, I became a Mechanical Design Engineer, combining practical skills with design work and overseeing the manufacturing of plant machinery and tooling. I also began learning progression press tool design, and in 2012, I expanded into injection mould tool design, mentored by senior toolmakers. In 2016, I was promoted to Toolroom Supervisor, where I guided projects from concept to completion and introduced improvements to our processes. By 2022, I became Toolroom Manager, overseeing all aspects of project management, from design to production, while ensuring smooth collaboration between engineering staff and the toolroom.
How far have you come since you started?
Since joining Louvolite in 2004, it’s been quite a journey. I started assembling punch and dies, supporting the production of Louvolite window blind systems. In 2007, I was promoted to Research and Development Engineer, collaborating with the design team to build, test and refine projects. By 2008, I became a Mechanical Design Engineer, combining practical skills with design work and overseeing the manufacturing of plant machinery and tooling. I also began learning progression press tool design, and in 2012, I expanded into injection mould tool design, mentored by senior toolmakers. In 2016, I was promoted to Toolroom Supervisor, where I guided projects from concept to completion and introduced improvements to our processes. By 2022, I became Toolroom Manager, overseeing all aspects of project management, from design to production, while ensuring smooth collaboration between engineering staff and the toolroom.
Why did you choose the field you are in?
I have always had a passion for engineering, driven by my curiosity about how things work. I often found myself taking things apart, sometimes with difficulty getting them back together! Being involved in a project from conception to seeing it installed worldwide fills me with pride. I also find great joy in collaborating with my colleagues and bouncing ideas around, as I have an amazing team that supports one another.
"Don’t doubt your abilities—just do your best"
How has Louvolite helped in your journey to where you are now?
I really credit my growth at Louvolite to the support I've had from everyone here. From my director and head of engineering to my colleagues in the toolroom, they all saw my potential and helped me develop my skills. Without their encouragement, I wouldn’t have the expertise I have today. I’m grateful for their trust and guidance, and I work hard to make sure we produce top-quality components without cutting corners.
Lastly, what advice would you give to the next generation when applying for a role similar to yours?
First, don’t doubt your abilities—just do your best. Take the opportunity to learn from your colleagues; they’re usually more than happy to share their expertise, which is invaluable. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
Lastly, what advice would you give to the next generation when applying for a role similar to yours?
First, don’t doubt your abilities—just do your best. Take the opportunity to learn from your colleagues; they’re usually more than happy to share their expertise, which is invaluable. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
Lastly, what advice would you give to the next generation when applying for a role similar to yours?