Quality in every bottle

How did your journey at SCCHK begin?

I joined in 1999 – it was actually my father who introduced me to the company. He was an employee before he retired, and when I was looking for work, he asked if I'd be interested in joining the team. At first, I thought I'd just give it a try, but here I am, still going strong 25 years later!

What has kept you motivated over the years?

I started as a technician and gradually worked my way through almost every role on the production line. That hands-on experience gave me a strong foundation and helped me understand the full scope of the operation. Now, as a team leader, it's important that I know the details inside out – that's how you solve problems quickly and earn your team's trust.

How has your role as a Manufacturing Supervisor evolved over time?

The production line is more dynamic than people might think. Technology, machinery, materials – everything is constantly improving, and so are the products. From using rPET, to creating much more lightweight packaging – consumers might not notice these subtle changes, but for us, each improvement represents our company's dedication to quality, efficiency and sustainability. My role is to stay up to date, keep learning and lead the team through every new development.

For instance, in 2022, we introduced a brand-new returnable glass bottle ("RGB") – it was a third lighter, yet had a 30% higher capacity. The current aseptic production line enables key manufacturing processes to be conducted in a sterile environment, bringing abundant benefits to product quality, as well as further reducing SCCHK's carbon footprint. When we tested new production procedures, I personally got involved to make sure I understood every detail – only then could I support the team through the change.

What goes into maintaining high quality standards?

Even with a high degree of automation, manual quality checks are essential. We thoroughly test samples every 30 minutes – checking bottles, caps, volume and other specs to make sure they meet our strict standards. If something isn't right, we track it back and investigate the entire batch. Sometimes, that means looking into the supply chain to find the root cause.

We are the gatekeepers and there is no compromising – making sure every product is as good as it can be. I look out for borderline cases that could lead to bigger issues down the line. If we catch it early, we avoid future problems. In this job, "no news" really is good news – it means everything is running smoothly.

This year marks 60 years of SCCHK. What does that mean to you?

I feel incredibly proud! I've grown alongside the company, and I've helped deliver “Made in Hong Kong” refreshments to our city.

Whenever I see our drinks on shelves and in restaurants, it reminds me that we help keep people refreshed every day, and that gives me a lot of satisfaction.

I've been here 25 years – and I'm not even one of the longest-serving team members! Many of my colleagues have stayed for 30 years or more. That really speaks to our culture and the strong bonds we've built.

What's the team culture like on the production floor?

It's like a family. Everyone's willing to go the extra mile, and we've got each other's backs. That kind of support makes a big difference, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.

When I first joined, I was lucky to work with experienced seniors who shared their knowledge and helped me grow. Now that I lead a team, I do my best to pass on that same support – it's about keeping the culture strong and helping the next generation succeed.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Hard work is the most important thing. If you're willing to put in the effort, you can overcome any challenge and master your role. Don't be afraid to take things on – that's how you grow.

Outside of work, how do you unwind?

I stay active in the community through V Group, our corporate volunteer team. Giving back is something I find really fulfilling. And of course, I treasure time with my family – it keeps me grounded and brings me joy.