Thomas and Thomas Welcomes New Expertise in Andy Stone

Thomas and Thomas has announced the welcome of rodmaker Andy Stone to their team. Stone will join T&T as Vice President of Manufacturing.

Read more in the press release below.

Thomas and Thomas Welcomes New Expertise in Andy Stone

Seasoned Rodmaker Joins the Storied Brand as Vice President of Manufacturing

GREENFIELD, Mass. – Thomas and Thomas Fly-Fishing Rods is pleased to announce the addition of Andy Stone as the company’s Production Manager. Stone joined the Massachusetts-based company two years ago, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience building rods for The Orvis Company.

Stone notes the industry has changed immensely over the course of his career. “In 30 years’ time I have seen huge changes in machinery technology. Back in the day you would use a wrench or a hammer to make the correct adjustment, and now you just change the computer program. These machines may look different, but the functions are still very similar.” He adds, “In the last year Thomas and Thomas has purchased all new machines throughout the factory. It’s amazing to see the increased volume of rod parts turning into the rod you will eventually own.”

During his time at Orvis, Stone spent 15 years on the Research & Development and Rod Design teams, in addition to managing a team of associates. Now, as Vice President of Manufacturing at Thomas and Thomas, he is responsible for managing all parts of the manufacturing process, including scheduling labor requirements, process improvements, R&D projects, technical support and other duties.

It’s a skill set well valued by the team. “Andy’s 30 years of experience in rod manufacturing has been key in improving our flow of production and manufacturing processes,” notes Neville Orsmond, CEO of Thomas and Thomas. “He is a fantastic team player and his management style and meticulous approach will be pivotal in our future growth and success.”

The challenges of the role excite him. “One of my favorite things is to be working side by side on a new project or teaching more advanced methods to Thomas and Thomas associates — educating them on how their jobs affect other associates upstream during the rod process. With increased confidence each associate is making better decisions and producing higher volumes of rods, and still maintaining high rod quality. Challenging them to set personal goals and helping them meet those goals is very rewarding for me. It feels like a family environment while working here — communication skills are very important to our team, with huge improvements in the past year.”

He feels the brand’s future is strong, finishing with, “I love being part of this small town with lots of fishing and great people. Couldn’t be happier working for Neville and the awesome team here at Thomas and Thomas.”

About Thomas & Thomas:

Established in 1969 by legendary rod builders Tom Dorsey and Tom Maxwell, T&T’s fundamental beliefs, values and singularity of purpose has remained the same: “The relentless pursuit of innovation, superior quality and uncompromising performance in creation of the world’s finest handcrafted fly rods.”

For more information, visit www.thomasandthomas.com.

Contact: Erin Foley, Marketing Communications Manager, [email protected]