Safety on top of the agenda

Robin, tell us a little bit about yourself and your background

I’m from a small town in Eastern Kentucky called Greenup County where my parents still reside. Even though I moved away, family is very important to us, and my two sisters and I visit regularly. I’ve been married for 14 years to my husband Eric, and we have one very handsome two-year-old son, Will.

I’ve been in manufacturing since 2007 when I started my career with SunCoke Energy. My journey in manufacturing began as an operator in the production department. When the HR manager left Suncoke and began working for Noranda Alumnia in Gramercy Louisiana, he recruited me to work for him. While in Gramercy, I worked with both the HR and Safety team to develop training programs with a focus on employee engagement. In 2015, I was promoted to the EHS/HR manager at our Salisbury, North Carolina location. I have a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health and a master’s in Business Administration.

So, why Gränges?

I’m honored to work for Gränges and be a part of a company that genuinely values their employees, customers and communities. Gränges values all employees through various programs, such as smart dollar, core spot awards, family day, service awards, donations to local community partners and schools.

There are strong relationships and a team atmosphere between the plants, corporate and the Executive Management Team.

Robin Tolliver at the Gränges’ office in Salisbury, North Carolina.

What does the a EHS/HR Manager do? What’s your scope/objective?

As an EHS/HR manager it is my obligation to ensure a safe working environment for everyone. This is achieved through employee engagement, presence on the floor, and daily interaction with employees. We focus strongly on hazard identification and correcting hazards before they lead to injury. Our priority is ensuring our employees return home in the same condition as they arrived.

Monthly safety/communication meetings are held with each crew in order to provide them the knowledge needed to perform their jobs safely. Also, preventive measures are employed to ensure environmental air and storm water compliance. As a Human Resource Manager, communication is key to resolving personnel issues with Union Leadership, so that our employees can focus on safely producing flat rolled aluminum products.

“Our priority is ensuring our employees return home in the same condition as they arrived.”

What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?

When I arrive at the office each day leads to a new adventure. My day usually begins with checking email, attending production meetings and returning phone calls. Most days I do my best, between conference calls and meetings, to hit the floor and work with employees to discuss safety hazards.

Presently, we are working to correct items found during our cross-safety audit and preparing for service award dinners. When the day ends at the office, I pick up Will and we head home for dinner, play, bath and bedtime.

On her daily walk. Robin talking to Henry Cline at Gränges’ facility in Salisbury, North Carolina.

What do you like most about your job? What’s the best with working at Gränges?

Personally, I enjoy manufacturing in general and the best part of working at Gränges is the people.

If you could change one thing about working here, what would it be?

That’s a tough question, Gränges has been good to me.

And finally, what do you do when you’re not at work?

We are an outdoors family! We enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, traveling and of course the beach! Also, can’t forget O-H-I-O State football, Robin concludes with a smile.