Jacki Stephen - Technical Services Manager, Bonar Yarn

Jacki works as a Technical Services Manager for an articifial turf making company in Dundee. She develops different technologies to create high-quality artificial turfs that serve a multitude of purposes.

The first step is to find out what the client wants from their turf. This can range from them wanting a certain shade of green to reflecting infrared.

Jacki then takes this information to the lab and create yarns that best suit the client brief. Recently she helped to develop a yarn that keeps cool regardless of the outdoor temperature - very popular in hot countries. As the brand has gone global we have recently provided yarns to turf the lawns at Las Vegas' newest hotel and the home grounds of a Prince in Abu Dhabi.

What does your job entail?

"I spend time in the lab constantly modifying what we already have and it is fair to say that things have come so much further than the days of Astroturf. Most people don't realise how much thinking goes into the creation of yarns like this."

What training did you need to do this job?

I started with Bonar Yarn whilst I was studying for my degree in Chemistry and Business Studies at the University of Abertay. A year into my studies, I took a work placement. I was so enthusiastic during my placement that Bonar Yarn offered to give me a bursary if I stayed on with them while I completed my studies. Fourteen years on and I am still here. I love my job!

Each day doesn't feel like work as I am enjoying what I do and I get satisfaction out of helping create a finished product.