Harry Constable: A Life of Innovation and Leadership in Paper-Making
Harry Constable, who has died aged 94, was a prominent figure in the international paper-making industry during the 1970s and 80s. His career was marked by pioneering new processes and modernising management practices, leaving a lasting legacy in the sector.
Technical and Managerial Innovations
At the Chartham paper mill in Kent, where he became a senior manager, Harry guided significant technical innovations. Among these was the introduction of photo-base papers for extrusion coaters in tracing paper, a development that enhanced production capabilities.
From a managerial perspective, he was one of the early adopters in the UK of the Total Quality Management system. This approach emphasises that every employee, regardless of their role, should understand the company's purpose and actively contribute to quality improvements. This philosophy aligned perfectly with Harry's own inclusive and forward-thinking mindset.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born in Bridgend, south Wales, to Henry, a french polisher, and Jeanette (nee Murphy), Harry moved to England and attended Wycombe Technical College in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. In 1947, at the age of 16, he began his career as a laboratory assistant at the local Glory paper mill.
As the youngest salaried employee among 450 workers, his first day included a humorous initiation when he was given a white coat with "they call me laughing boy" scrawled on the back. Undeterred, Harry steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming production manager at Glory and later rising to managing director at Chartham by his retirement in 1992.
Commitment to Health, Safety, and Community
Having experienced a serious hand injury from a machine early in his career, Harry became a strong advocate for health and safety in his managerial roles. In the 1980s, at the Glory mill, he also focused on providing employment opportunities during tough economic times, hiring unemployed workers from northern England and Scotland.
Upon his retirement, Harry received numerous appreciative letters from former colleagues. One notable letter came from a man who had been dismissed from a previous job and was unemployed for months at age 55 before Harry hired him, despite advice against it. Harry remarked, "I knew he wouldn't make the same mistake twice," highlighting his belief in second chances and people's potential.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Beyond his professional achievements, Harry served as a magistrate in High Wycombe and later Canterbury, often moderating more punitive tendencies among his peers on the bench. He was an active member of the Rotary Club and a keen sportsman, having been an amateur boxer in his youth. He continued cycling, running, and playing tennis well into his 80s.
Harry married Elaine (nee Fay), a nurse, in 1955, and she passed away in 2023. He is survived by their sons, Stephen and Stuart, and seven grandchildren, who remember him as a dedicated family man and community leader.
