Meet our 2024 Employee of the Year: Lukasz Burnos

We are proud to introduce our 2024 Employee of the Year, Lukasz Burnos!

Lukasz, our Aluminium factory Team Leader, has nearly a decade of experience at Tradeglaze and his journey from aluminium fabricator to team leader is a testament to his dedication, technical expertise, and leadership qualities. Known for his positive attitude and willingness to help others, Lukasz is always ready to support his colleagues. He was recognised as Employee of the Month in July 2024, further highlighting the respect he has earned within the team.

Stepping into Leadership

Lukasz has recently taken on the role of team leader in our aluminium department. Reflecting on this transition, Lukasz shares, “I love the challenges that come with the role. The entire team gains immense satisfaction from seeing our complex jobs come through the factory and then into place. I have been lucky enough to see some of our finished projects, which has given me huge pride in the work we do here.”

Stepping into a leadership role has been a significant milestone for Lukasz, and he is grateful for the support he has received from the team. “I can’t thank the team enough for their support—they have been fantastic since I stepped into the new role. I’ve learned that leading by example and having confidence in my leadership is key to success. Attention to detail is also crucial in this role, and I strive to instil this mindset in my team.”

Embracing Innovation

One of the key highlights of the past year has been the introduction of new technology in the aluminium factory. Lukasz has been at the forefront of integrating our new Emmegi Cutting Machine and CNC equipment into production processes.

“The new Emmegi Cutting Machine has had a big impact, particularly in increasing accuracy,” Lukasz explains. “The new CNC helps to make work much easier and quicker, allowing us to increase our production capacity.” This investment has not only improved efficiency but also enhanced the quality of our bespoke aluminium products.

Adapting to Market Trends

Over the years, Lukasz has witnessed significant changes in aluminium production. “When I started almost 10 years ago, the aluminium production was much more compacted. It’s been amazing to see the growth, not only in terms of the number of frames but also the complexity of the projects. We are now seeing much more Grand Design-type projects which are highly complex and completely bespoke. I absolutely love the challenge!” he shares.

Recent trends in consumer preferences have also influenced production. “Over the last year, we have seen much more colour and texture come through the factory, with textured jet-black frames on the rise significantly. The longevity of aluminium is a key driver for customers—it really is a fantastic investment that lasts a lifetime.”

Looking Ahead

Lukasz is excited about the future and has ambitious plans for the coming year. “I think in the next year I want to expand the team and continue on the path of learning,” he says. He is particularly keen to build on the knowledge he has gained from working closely with our Production Manager, Kenny King. “Kenny is extremely knowledgeable, has been in the business for many years and is a great example of a manager. It’s been a pleasure to learn from him, and together we are combining our knowledge and expertise to get the best results.”

He also expects to see further expansion in the aluminium department. “I have seen so much growth in my time with the company and expect to see much more in the years to come. Growth is the only way—if you’re not growing, you’re moving backwards! I expect to see more people joining the aluminium team and further expansion to increase our production capacity.”

Beyond the Glass

Outside of work, Lukasz has been busy with a personal milestone—becoming a homeowner. “I have recently become a homeowner, so my goal for this year is to carry out renovations on my own home,” he shares.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Being named Employee of the Year is a testament to Lukasz’s dedication, hard work, and leadership. He sums up his thoughts on receiving the award: “I’m so pleased to have received this recognition. It means a lot, especially after stepping into the new role. It’s been an exciting and rewarding journey, and I look forward to what lies ahead.”

Congratulations once again to Lukasz Burnos, our 2024 Employee of the Year! We are proud to have him as part of the Tradeglaze family and look forward to seeing his continued success in leading the Aluminium team to new heights.