Meet the people | Seth McAndrew’s Journey from Electrical Technician to Shopfloor Supervisor

In our “Meet the People” series, we introduce team members and their personal journeys within AWL. This time, we spotlight Seth McAndrew, who has grown from Electrical Technician to Shopfloor Supervisor since joining AWL US in 2018.

Based in Simpsonville, South Carolina, Seth commutes 40 minutes each day to our Spartanburg facility—a place that has become central to his professional development. Living there with his wife and four children, he reflects on his time at AWL as a journey of learning, growth, and opportunity.

A Career Built on Growth and Adaptation

Seth’s journey began with a phone call from a familiar voice—his former boss offering an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. "I saw it as a great chance to grow, and I knew my experience would help me adapt quickly," he says. His first assignment involved a major project requiring close collaboration with Dutch colleagues. "It was an incredible learning experience, and working with experienced colleagues from the Netherlands helped me better understand our processes."

Embracing New Roles and Responsibilities

After starting as an Electrical Technician, Seth soon transitioned into a Project Coordinator role. "At first, it was a challenge stepping into something so different, but I quickly found my footing," he recalls. That shift laid the foundation for his current role as Shopfloor Supervisor, where he focuses on warehouse operations, production, and process optimization.

While Seth is driven to improve things quickly, he’s learned that change takes time. “I used to want instant results, but I’ve learned that stepping back and reflecting often leads to smarter, more lasting improvements.”

A Changing Landscape at AWL US

AWL US has changed significantly over the years. What began as a team of 80 has evolved into a close-knit, highly committed workforce. “There’s a strong sense of dedication here—everyone is willing to go the extra mile,” Seth says. With better-structured processes in place, efficiency has improved, overtime has decreased, and employees enjoy a healthier work-life balance.

Strength in Collaboration

One of AWL US’s greatest strengths lies in its relationships with local businesses. During peak times, these partnerships are vital. “We collaborate with external partners for construction, installations, and transportation—and that support makes a big difference when it counts.” When a shipment to Mexico was unexpectedly damaged, those connections helped the team respond quickly and stay on schedule. “Because of those partnerships, we were able to get things back on track swiftly.”

A Warm Welcome in the Netherlands

Seth visited AWL Netherlands last year—an experience that deepened his appreciation for the international AWL network. “Seeing familiar names in person instead of just emails made a big difference,” he shares. “Meeting face-to-face strengthened our working relationships in a way that digital calls can’t match. Everyone was incredibly welcoming—I’m already looking forward to going back.”