The Sisters Driving Quality at BCW Engineering

At BCW Engineering, quality isn’t just a process, it’s at the heart of everything we do. Behind our precision-engineered components and strict compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 standards are dedicated professionals like Pandora Pradey and Saffron Pradey, two sisters working in key quality roles within our team.

Pandora, a Quality Technician, and Saffron, a Quality Engineer, play a crucial role in ensuring that every part we manufacture meets the highest industry standards. Their expertise supports our commitment to delivering exceptional CNC machining solutions to our automotive customers and beyond.

We sat down with them to learn more about their journey into engineering, what it’s like working together as sisters, and their insights into the world of quality assurance. From their daily responsibilities to their passion for precision, get to know Pandora [P] and Saffron [S] as part of Team BCW.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourselves and your journey to BCW Engineering?

[P] After leaving school at 16, continuing in education wasn’t really an option, as going straight into work allowed me to help bring money into the household. After four years of working in various roles and not feeling particularly inspired, I took my mum’s advice and looked for a job in manufacturing. That’s how I came across a job advert for BCW.

[S] Within two weeks of her joining, she needed someone to halve the cab fare with. I eventually gave in—and the rest is history.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering and quality? Was it something you always wanted to do?

[S] I can’t say it was a dream of mine to work in engineering or quality. To be honest, as an operator, I wasn’t sure how likely it was to get opportunities to progress. But I took the chance, and I’m really glad I did. Considering it wasn’t something I ever saw myself doing, I now feel this is the career for me.

[P] I did have a childhood dream of designing cars, inspired by The Fast and the Furious films. But after looking into it, I became genuinely fascinated by how engines were built and how the various parts worked together.

3. Do you have a family history in engineering or manufacturing, or are you the first in your family to take this career path?

[P] My grandad on my mum’s side worked for Rolls-Royce, and that was always a source of pride for the family. I should tell him now that Aston Martins and Jaguars are superior!

[S] I didn’t even know that about Grandad, to be honest! Though I suppose I followed Pandora here, so yeah, I guess it was the family history.

4. What is it like working together as sisters in the same company and department? Any sibling rivalry, or is it all teamwork?

[P] You’d think it wouldn’t be natural to have your younger sister as your boss, but anyone who knows us wouldn’t be surprised. There are good days and bad days, but there’s nobody I’d rather work for.

[S] To be honest, it’s been much easier than I expected. We live together too, so that’s a lot of time to spend together! There hasn’t been much rivalry so far, but I think the longer she works in quality, it’s inevitable.

5. If you weren’t in quality engineering, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

[P] Before the opportunity came up to work in quality, I was looking into apprenticeship opportunities within the group. My time as an operator has really helped me in this role, but I won’t pretend I wasn’t impatient to progress and test myself.

[S] I’m lucky the role came up because, after two years, I was beginning to wonder if there were opportunities for progression. There are manufacturing companies closer to my hometown in Colne, but then the chance came up. I’ve moved to Burnley now, so I guess you’re stuck with me!

6. Can you describe a typical day in your role? What are the key responsibilities you manage?

[S] My job is different every day, which I really like. There are certain meetings or tasks that need to be done daily, but otherwise, it can be really varied. My favourite parts of the job are looking at something that isn’t working so well and finding the simplest ways to improve it.

[P] One of the most important parts of my day is the handover from the quality technician on the earlier shift. It helps me understand where the risks are in the processes. After that, it’s about ensuring the shift is set up for the day, addressing any problems, and keeping an eye on things to make sure we’re always working to process. Working the late shift has its challenges, and I won’t pretend I don’t make several phone calls to Saffron each week to make sure we’re aligned on important decisions!

7. What’s the most challenging part of working in quality, and what’s the most rewarding?

[P] It’s always being the bad guy for me. Engineering and production teams are all trying to get parts out of the door, and it’s our job to ensure those parts are good. It’s a balancing act between managing the risk to the customer and being as pragmatic as possible. It has helped me grow as a person, though.

[S] The biggest challenge is working under my line manager, who pushes me every day! There’s been a huge amount to learn in a short space of time, but suddenly, I feel like I get it. In terms of rewards, I take great satisfaction in seeing how long we can go without a customer rejection. And I won’t pretend that going from rotating shifts to permanent days doesn’t have its benefits!

8. How do you ensure that BCW Engineering meets the high standards of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949?

[P] We’ve been taught to control the process and trust that the product will look after itself. All operators should know exactly how they are expected to work and ensuring we don’t move away from that is the best way to support the business in maintaining its standards.

[S] Definitely driving the standards. Everything we do to protect the customer from non-conforming products also helps us work to the IATF standard, so it all makes sense.

9. What’s the most common misconception people have about quality roles in manufacturing?

[P] That it’s well paid! No, really—it’s the idea that we’re here to purposely make life harder for people. I suppose another mistake people make is imagining we exist to help them get parts out of the door at any cost.

[S] That when there’s a “quality problem,” it’s the quality team that caused it! And also that when there’s an issue, it’s our job to solve it. To be fair, we’ve built a really good team ethic in our business unit, and we work together to solve problems now.

10. Where do you see yourselves in the next five years? Any career goals or new skills you’d like to develop?

[P] I think I’ll be Saffron’s boss. I’m sure she’ll do well, but the business only needs one Quality Director, right?

[S] Game on!