Meet the MiAlgae Changemakers! 🤝

Scott Kerr – Production Operator

Our Production Operator, Scott Kerr tells us a little bit about himself.

Tell us a bit about your career background and your role at MiAlgae.

I bring over 15 years of experience in production and manufacturing, with a strong background in dairy processing and production. I began my career as a Lab Technician and advanced to a Production Team Leader role, which allowed me to gain in-depth knowledge of the supply chain and to cultivate a strong interest in automation, particularly through LMS technology and downstream processing.

After my initial work in dairy, I transitioned to the medical device industry, operating in a cleanroom environment and adhering to FDA standards. There, I contributed to CNC laser processes and SWIR camera correction, which broadened my technical skill set. Following a redundancy, I returned to dairy as a Shift Production Manager, where I was responsible for overseeing daily production, managing a team of over 30 staff members, and ensuring customer requirements were met with the highest quality standards.

My next move was into the FMCG sector, joining the largest water bottling facility in the UK. In this high-speed environment, I gained extensive experience in operating a high-speed bottling line with blow molding and fully automated downstream processes. 

Currently, as a Production Operator at MiAlgae, I am deeply engaged in hands-on production, ensuring that all tasks meet high standards. My familiarity with process equipment from the dairy industry has enabled me to make a seamless transition, and collaborating with a dynamic team has been invigorating. Looking ahead, I am excited to help elevate our production capabilities as we prepare for operations at our new site next year.

What’s the work environment and team dynamic like at MiAlgae?

MiAlgae has a fantastic culture. Everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals, which is incredibly refreshing. We have people from various professional backgrounds collaborating daily to achieve results, creating a dynamic and supportive environment.

What excites you most about the future of MiAlgae?

The future of MiAlgae is truly exciting. Being a finalist in the Earthshot Prize speaks volumes, and with the new purpose-built production facility set to launch early next year, the company is poised for significant growth. The path ahead is full of potential and very exciting times ahead!

What keeps you busy away from the site?

As a father of three daughters, I’m always kept on my toes! With ages ranging from teenager to toddler, there’s never a dull moment. My eldest loves ice skating, which has been a personal hobby of mine for over 25 years, so it’s special to be able to share that with her.

Fun fact about you?

My dream of becoming a professional footballer ended before it even began when I broke my femur in two places. I spent six weeks in the hospital in traction, with a cast from my waist to my ankle, suspended with weights—just like something out of a movie! To top it off, it happened during the first week of summer holiday, so I didn’t even miss a day of school.