Our Team

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Tom has worked in the manufacturing and plastics industry for his entire working career since leaving school at the age of 17 to join Dunlop (NZ) Ltd. He joined the fledgling business of EPL, set up by Jerry O'Neill and Neil Ottmann in 1974 and bought into the business in 1983. In 2005, Tom was part of a small team who set up Compounding Specialists (Comspec) Ltd, a purpose built plastics recycling facility. To facilitate the retirement of his senior partner, Tom headed up a management buyout in 2006. His passion for the industry has led to Tom serving as National President of Plastics New Zealand (1998-2000) and as President of the NZ Manufacturers & Exporters Association (2014-2016). He was elected the youngest ever life member of Plastics NZ in 2006 and awarded a prestigious fellowship of the NZ Institute of Management in October 2008. Tom has three adult children and six grandchildren. He is an active sportsman with, among others, six Coast to Coast events under his belt. His love of scuba diving allows him to indulge in shell collecting and underwater photography. His is also a keen game fisherman. In 2019 the Governor General invested Tom with an Officer of New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to manufacturing, philanthropy and the community.

or call +64 21 222 7412

Mark has been in the manufacturing sector for 28 years, having worked in the paint, chemical and clothing industries before joining EPL in 2002. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Chem) degree from Canterbury University, a diploma in a management science and another in the design and specification of plastics. Mark played a key role in establishing EPL's manufacturing division in Thailand. Mark is currently president of Plastic's New Zealand. An avid sports lover and administrator. He enjoys to spend his leisure hours golfing, fishing, shooting and boating.

or call +64 33738609

With over 25 years experience working for New Zealand based manufacturing businesses exporting products and services to customers around the world, Chris joined EPL as CFO in 2006. In this role he heads up the team responsible for meeting all the administration, accounting and legal obligations of the company. Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Canterbury University, and is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). Married with three children, he is actively involved in road cycling and skiing, and is also a very keen follower of rugby.

or call +64 27 627 7779

Gareth loves seeing the clients and teams' work come to life. Passionate about innovation, he loves to learn about the needs of the clients and he’s no stranger to getting involved in all aspects of a project either. Gareth is responsible for the Sales and Marketing Teams.

He has a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from Victoria University with Majors in Management and Commercial Law. He is currently studying towards the Diploma in Design and Specification of Plastics. Gareth has a huge passion for mountain biking, rugby and motor sport.

Gareth is a Member of the Institute of Directors and an Affiliate member of Engineering NZ (IPENZ)

or call +6433738619

Stephen loves developing new products and has an extensive background in the development of new products, materials and technologies across a number of industries. Stephen leads the Research & Development Team and has been with EPL since 2011. He is our resident scientist and is highly qualified with a Master of Science in Polymer and Polymer Composite Science, along with a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Sheffield.

Stephen enjoys spending time with his family, mountain biking, golf, fishing, football and cricket.

or call +6433738751

Passionate about manufacturing, Carolina has brought a wealth of production, manufacturing and quality experience into EPL since joining in 2017. Carolina ensures the smooth running of the manufacturing operation.

She is highly qualified with a BE in Industrial Engineering (LUZ Venezuela), DIp H&S Management (ESLAE Venezuela) and an MSc Quality Management & Productivity (UC Venezuela). Outside of EPL Carolina enjoys a good book, food and wine, tramping and travel with her husband and children.

or call +64 212227408

Simon uses his extensive experience in the plastic industry to help craft solutions for his customers. He has been involved with the Plastics Industry for almost his entire working career in a variety of roles and has been with EPL since 2011 . Simon has an NZIM Diploma in Management, a Diploma in Export Marketing and has completed the Plastics NZ Diploma in Design and Specification. When Simon is not at work he is spending time with his family, travelling around the globe or fishing whenever the opportunity presents.

or call +64 21 222 7416

Don’s career has spanned over 30 years at EPL having started in 1989. This has seen him enjoy various roles which allows him to understand his clients key business objectives. Don gets a kick out of seeing a development come to life.

Don is also part of the Component Committee for the Window and Glazing Association of New Zealand. He has an NZCS in Chemistry, an NZIM Diploma in Management and a Diploma in Design and Specification of Plastics. Don enjoys spending time with his children and two grandsons. His interests are motorbikes, fishing and boating.

or call +64 21 222 7421

Brian's passion and drive for delivering value to our clients is evident regardless of the project. He has been with EPL since 2008. A keen rugby player, Brian has played rugby in New Zealand, England and in Ireland and now watches his two sons play from the sideline. He is one of many passionate golfers here at EPL.

Brian is also the former President of Plastic New Zealand South Island Branch. He has a Diploma in design and specification of plastics.

or call +64 3 373 8604

Melissa joined the team in 2018 and she’s already been able to apply her skills working alongside a number of teams here; making sure that projects keep moving and she enjoys being able to help make things happen. She works closely with not only her customers but also as support to the Business Development Managers and their customers.

Melissa is currently studying towards the Diploma in Design and Specification of Plastics. She enjoys Aqua classes, walking, supporting her two daughters netball and family time.

or call +64 3 373 8600

Sue is one of the most well known and most loved team members here at EPL. As the director of first impressions, she takes pride in keeping the clients up to date . Sue has been with EPL since 1998 and her front line role gives her lots of opportunity for direct contact with customers. She is a hot rod enthusiast and rugby fan who loves to garden in quieter moments.

or call +64 3 373 8607

Always up to the task, her high standards and work ethic are reflected in the way she can handle a number of projects at once . A vital member of the team she works closely along side our CFO, Mandy has been with EPL since 2002 and in 2018 Mandy gained her Accounting Technician qualification. She enjoys her weekly spin classes and hanging out with her family, supporting her sons passion for rugby.

Quick thinking, organised and efficient, she’s already proven herself a valuable member of our Customer Service / Administration Team. Sarah started with EPL in 2018 . She has a background in shipping and logistics which is invaluable . Sarah enjoys going to the gym and has previously been to the World Championships in Hong Kong for Dragon Boating.

More than 25 years of experience in finance and accounting in the manufacturing industry

Over 18 years experience in sales, marketing and development

Over 22 years of experience in QA, production, logistics, warehousing and planning in the plastic industry

40 years experience in extrusion profile

More than 15 years of experience in quality assurance for international branded consumer products

More than 11 years of experience in elastomer production