Paul Birtles is the Operations Director for ASG Produmax Limited, an aerospace components manufacturer based in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Paul is Bradford born and bred and has been in manufacturing since 1981. He is a time served engineer completing his apprenticeship in 1985 at Renold Gears in Bradford while attending Bradford College on day release, being one of the first apprentices in the UK to complete the CNC programming modules. He has led teams in the textile and medical design fields achieving his first directorship in 2005 before moving to the aerospace industry with Produmax in 2012.

His principal interests include business transformation, culture change and lean manufacturing; ASG Produmax has recently undergone many changes working with Sharing in Growth and making significant local investments allowing products to be transferred from off shore to UK manufacture.

Being an active champion of youth engagement, he has been instrumental in establishing Produmax’s apprentice scheme as one of the most successful in the area. He is also vice chair of governors for Bradford College and sits on several boards all supporting development of young people, he firmly believes they are the key to the future.

Paul takes a holistic view of problem solving leading to innovative solutions involving many areas of the business. He has been involved in developing true partnerships with key customers enabling ASG Produmax to grow in reputation and size.