From France to Chennai: Guerlin’s Graduate Journey with CTB Group
At Cooper Turner Beck Group, people are at the heart of progress. From the engineers on the factory floor to the graduates building their first careers, our people-first approach means providing opportunities to grow, learn and lead, wherever in the world their journey takes them.
One recent example is Guerlin Poncet, a French postgraduate engineer who joined CTB Group through the VIE international placement programme. Today, Guerlin is based in Chennai, India, where they are overseeing the establishment of a brand-new CTB manufacturing facility.
“I wanted to see the world and CTB gave me that chance”
With a background in mechanical design and mechatronics, Guerlin always had an appetite for international experience. Encouraged by his father to learn English, he sought opportunities abroad after graduating.
“I used the Business France VIE platform, which connects graduates with global companies,” he explains. “When I saw the role with Cooper Turner Beck in India, I was intrigued. I’d worked in smaller design and pharmaceutical firms before, but metallurgy and large-scale manufacturing were completely new to me. It felt like the right step to broaden my skills and open future opportunities within the group.”
Building a factory from the ground up
When Guerlin arrived in Chennai, the site was little more than walls and a roof. His task: help manage the project of turning it into a fully operational factory.
“It was a challenge at first. There were delays, and I had to adapt quickly to a different pace of life and work culture. A team of operators from Chennai has also travelled to Sheffield to learn how to operate the equipment. But step by step, the team and I have moved closer to our goal of seeing production lines in motion.”
Alongside project management, Guerlin also supports audits and alignment on Environment, Health and Safety standards across the site, ensuring CTB Group’s values of safety and quality are embedded from day one.
Strategic location, global teamwork
Chennai, in the Tamil Nadu region, was chosen as the site for CTB’s new facility because of its proximity to many of the group’s renewable energy customers. Being close to clients strengthens collaboration and helps meet demand more efficiently.
The project is also a testament to CTB’s global teamwork. At one stage, a team of engineers from CTL Sheffield - Tom, Dan, Alfie, Scott and Owen - joined Guerlin on site to build the state-of-the-art equipment line. “They worked tirelessly in 30+ degree heat to get the line installed and running,” Guerlin recalls. “It was a huge effort, and a great example of the determination and skill across CTB.”
Adjusting to life in India
Moving to a new country is never without challenges. For Guerlin, the heat and humidity were a shock at first. “I struggled for the first few days: no air conditioning, no fridge in the factory. But you adjust. The food is incredible, very spicy compared to Europe, but now I’m used to it. My family even finds my cooking too spicy when I go back home!”
He also highlights cultural differences. “Here it’s normal to eat with your hands, and burping at the table isn’t seen as rude. It took some getting used to. But people have been incredibly welcoming. The local team in Chennai are lovely, kind and supportive. It makes a huge difference to feel part of the community.”
Support and growth
Guerlin is quick to credit the support he’s received from colleagues across CTB Group. Weekly calls with mentors, advice from regional managers, and encouragement from fellow French colleagues have all played a role.
“This isn’t just about technical experience. It’s about learning how to work across cultures, how to manage a project under real-world pressures, and how to grow personally as well as professionally. The programme has really helped me build confidence.”
Originally, Guerlin planned to return to France after one year. Instead, he has extended his placement to see the factory through to full operation.
A message to future graduates
Asked what he would say to others considering CTB Group’s graduate and international placements, Guerlin is enthusiastic:
“Go for it. The support system is strong, the opportunities are huge, and you’ll learn so much more than you expect. It’s not always easy, but that’s what makes it rewarding. I’d recommend the programme to any engineer who wants to understand manufacturing from the inside out, while experiencing another part of the world.”
His reflections are echoed by Cooper Turner Beck’s Group Human Resources Manager and Head of Global HR, Emma Cavill:
“At CTB Group, we believe that investing in our people - wherever their journey takes them - is the key to our success. Guerlin’s experience in Chennai is a testament to the power of international opportunities, strong support networks, and a culture that values learning and growth. As one of the first graduates to join CTB, his journey demonstrates our commitment to nurturing early-career talent, encouraging cross-cultural experiences, and building a strong pipeline of future leaders for our business.”
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Investing in people, building for the future
Guerlin’s journey reflects CTB Group’s wider commitment to career development, international mobility, and continuous professional development (CPD). Across our global sites, we are expanding leadership programmes, supporting employee-led initiatives, and creating safer workplaces.
By investing in people like Guerlin, we’re building futures as well as factories.
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