At Ontex, growth isn’t just a career path — it’s a mindset built on ownership, initiative, and pride in what we do. In her inspiring journey from Machine Operator to Line Lead, our colleague Sofia Nunez shares how a culture that values learning, leadership, and continuous improvement helped her unlock her full potential. Sofia’s story is a powerful reminder that when people feel empowered, they grow — and so does the company.
“When I first joined Ontex, I was a Machine Operator, excited and nervous to learn and find my place in the fast-paced manufacturing environment. With not having much experience, I knew I had a lot to prove, and I was committed to mastering the operations of the machines I worked with.
Since the Stokesdale plant opened back in 2022, I got to experience the company growing in real time, hear about future plans and get to see improvements every day. I knew I wanted to be a part of this and grow with the company as well.
My role as a Machine Operator was straightforward: I was responsible for material preparation of the line as well as cleaning and helping meet production targets.
The more I got involved, the more I realized how much I could actually contribute to the success of the startup phase of the company. I started being more involved in troubleshooting, learning from engineers, and being part of the problem-solving process—encouraged by the team around me to take initiative.
I worked hard and learned as much as I could while keeping up with my role. When I got offered the Lead Machine Operator position, I knew I was ready for the task. This came with bigger responsibilities like leading the team, quality, and meeting production goals. It was my responsibility to ensure that any problems were addressed quickly so that production could continue smoothly.
I also started to train and mentor newer team members, which helped me develop my leadership skills. It came with many challenges as procedures were still taking place, but with every challenge, I grew. I began to take ownership of my work with this role, not just in terms of hitting targets, but in training and ensuring my team’s success. My direct leaders took notice of my drive and found myself being trusted into stepping into bigger roles and tasks, allowing me to grow and achieve my full potential.
The growth and learning experience in the Lead Machine Operator role really prepared me for my next step. In my almost third year at Ontex, the opportunity for Line Lead opened up, it was a big responsibility, but, again, I felt ready. It wasn’t just about technical skills anymore; it was about leadership, communication, and maintaining team morale. With this role, I realized the true value of teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability.
Looking back, it’s incredible to think that in just three years, I moved from a Machine Operator to a Line Lead. This journey taught me so much about determination, growth, and leadership. It wasn’t just about doing the job well, — it was about taking pride in my work, being passionate and always striving to be better and finding ways to make a meaningful impact, no matter the role. I’m grateful for all the guidance and support I received from my team and leaders, and proud of the progress I’ve made, I’m excited for the next chapter in my journey at Ontex. “
