Meet Danielle White, Operations Improvement Manager

Q: Can you tell me about yourself and your new role?
I am originally from Lansing, Michigan in the United States. I’ve recently joined Lawton Tubes as Operations Improvement Manager, based in Coventry. My role focuses on driving operational improvements and establishing a structured framework for continuous improvement across the Lawton team. The aim is not only to lead change but to empower others to identify and implement improvements that align with our company goals.

I’m also supporting our strategic expansion into the new warehouse, ensuring our systems and processes are scalable and future-ready. One of my KPIs is to increase the use of data across operations, enabling more informed decision-making and measurable improvements.

Q: What has been your journey to Lawton Tubes?
I first came to the UK in 2005 for a work placement and ended up staying after meeting my now-husband. I officially relocated in 2007 and now live in Kenilworth with my husband, our two boys (aged 12 and 13), a cat, and a Beagle. I became a dual national in November 2024 – a proud moment!

My career has spanned a variety of roles in aerospace manufacturing and testing, including manufacturing engineering, production management, continuous improvement, and general management. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in both operational leadership and strategic improvement; skills I’m excited to bring to Lawton Tubes as we grow and evolve. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, playing the violin, kickboxing, and being a taxi driver for my kids’ rugby and other activities. I’m also a member of a local wine club, which is a fun way to unwind and connect with the community.

Q: Why Lawton Tubes?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have found this opportunity at Lawton Tubes. While copper tubing is a new industry for me, I was drawn to the company’s exciting growth plans and the chance to contribute to its transformation. I reached out to local companies earlier this year, looking for a role where my skills could make a real impact, and Lawton stood out. What’s more, I discovered that copper aligns with my personal eco values. I’ve been waging my own war on plastic at home for years, and I love that copper offers a sustainable alternative in the marketplace.

Q: What are you enjoying most about your role and the company overall?
I’m really enjoying getting to know the Lawton team. There’s a strong sense of pride and passion here, and a genuine openness to improvement. The family-owned ethos is evident throughout the business, and it creates a collaborative, values-driven culture that I’m proud to be part of.

Q: Where did you work before joining us?
My background is primarily in aerospace manufacturing and testing. I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan and have held roles in manufacturing engineering, production management, continuous improvement, and general management.

I’ve worked with companies like GKN Aerospace, Eaton Aerospace, Meggitt, and Element Materials Technology, producing components such as pilot windscreens, heated aircraft structures, fuel and hydraulic hoses, brakes, and heat exchangers. These roles gave me a strong foundation in process improvement, stakeholder engagement, and leading change — all of which I bring to Lawton.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In five years, I hope we’ll be thriving in our new facility, with the improvements we’re making today delivering real results in terms of growth and customer experience. I also hope to be helping shape the next wave of strategic projects that continue to drive Lawton’s success and innovation.

Q: What do you hope to achieve at Lawton’s?
I want to help build a culture where every team feels empowered to make meaningful improvements — ones that benefit their work, our customers, and the company as a whole. My goal is to make improvement part of how we work every day.

Q: What are you most excited about working here?
There’s so much potential for positive change, and I’m excited to be part of that journey. I love working with teams who are passionate and open to new ideas, and that’s exactly what I’ve found here.

Do you have any favourite projects?
I’m really pleased with the momentum we’re building around the use of HHTs. We’ve successfully implemented full HHT use for stock movement in Fittings, and our pilot area is now picking orders using HHTs. I’m looking forward to rolling this out across the full Fittings Team and seeing the benefits it brings.

Follow Danielle on Linked in!