Valentin Mullot joined Tonnellerie Baron with the aim of strengthening the company’s environmental policy. A policy that commenced 10 years ago. He is also responsible for the quality processes in place regarding the products and the safety of the men and women making them. 

Valentin, you have been the QSE manager at Tonnellerie Baron since November 2022. Can you tell us about your journey?

I did a preparatory class to enter UTC (Université de Technologie de Compiègne) and graduated as an Engineer in Process Engineering. I then had various work experiences in different industries : the chemical industry, the medical and the automotive industries before joining the cooperage. Thanks to these work experiences, I deepened my knowledge through practical trainings such as Lean Six Sigma, theoretical ones regarding regulations and quality management systems and operational management.

Daily, what course of action do you have in mind to fulfill your mission?

My responsibilities cover various subjects, but I keep in mind two objectives : the continuous improvement and the staff’s awareness of different matters regarding quality, safety and the environment.

What are the goals to achieve in this job?

The main goal is to sell to our clients, barrels with the best quality possible. To achieve this, tools for continuous improvement help us progress and be more efficient. Establishing the quality management system has enabled us to gain accuracy, repeatability, and organization.

Simultaneously, safety at work is key. Risk analysis and preventive actions become a daily concern for the staff. This process is reinforced through regular trainings, analysis of the workstations, accidents, and situations, etc., …

Finally, Tonnellerie Baron is very committed to reducing its environmental impact and becoming carbon neutral. It is not an easy task, but it is a great challenge to take up. The actions that arise from this are numerous, but it is a worthy cause.

Do you have a wish for the future of the cooperage?

More than a wish, being able to achieve our growth target while maintaining the high- quality standards of Tonnellerie Baron and reducing our environmental footprint as much as possible.