The inspiring story of James Miller, IS Project Engineer at Knottingley site, Verallia UK
When he joined Allied Glass in 2007 as a Mechanical Apprentice, James quickly discovered a passion for IS engineering (the area dedicated to forming machines) and became a support engineer for the forming machines, ensuring smooth and continuous production, a role essential to keeping the plant running efficiently.
After exploring a different opportunity in 2014, he returned to Allied Glass only a few months later, a decision that confirmed how much he valued the environment, the support and the team spirit he had found there: “I quickly realised this was the place where I truly belonged.”
He then progressed to IS Chargehand and soon became involved in major rebuilds, leading his team through complex repair work usually carried out by contractors. “During a machine rebuild, I was fully trusted with the planning, ordering and repair work,” he explains. These projects were not just technical challenges—they were meaningful contributions to reimagining glass as a stronger, healthier, and infinitely recyclable material, improving efficiency and sustainability for the future of glass manufacturing.
In 2022, Allied Glass became part of Verallia, marking a significant change for James and his colleagues. His growing responsibilities coincided with this period of transition. At first, he felt some concerns: “I was sad and apprehensive when we were taken over,” he recalls, “but I was completely wrong, Verallia has taken us to another level.”
Joining a wider international group revealed the value of being part of a company committed to innovating across the entire value chain—from design to recycling—to make glass the most sustainable packaging in the world.
James soon discovered new expertise, new perspectives and additional support that expanded his vision of what was possible. For him, working here is not just a job, it’s about shaping the future of glass and contributing to a more sustainable world.
Beyond sharing best practices with colleagues around the world, he also takes great pleasure in passing on his knowledge to younger engineers, continuing the cycle of learning that shaped his own journey in the glass industry. Helping others progress is another way James ensures that his work has a lasting, positive impact.
Looking ahead, he hopes to contribute to the creation of a central repair department for IS, helping strengthen capabilities, drive innovation, improve sustainability and support Verallia’s UK ambition to redefine glass manufacturing for a future-ready, circular economy.