Eurovacuum Products is a leading supplier of all types of vacuum pumps and low pressure compressors. Company Director Adrienne Houston has been in the engineering industry for over 20 years, and also takes part in volunteering for a range of industry and business schemes, including the Women’s Engineering Society. She is the next PlastikCity Partner to face the HotSeat…
What trends do you think will shape the future of UK plastics? How will Eurovacuum Products respond?
Eurovacuum Products work across a number of industries supplying vacuum pumps/systems as well as service and maintenance. We see trends across a wide range of sectors that are common.
We’ve realised our customers seek improved efficiency and production transparency as well as low costs solutions. Our advantage is that we offer innovative products and services as well as quick response to break downs emergencies from our workshops in the North East and Midlands. Our team can move quickly to anticipate and meet changing customer’s demands.
How has Eurovacuum Products developed during your tenure?
We have achieved year on year growth both in our new pump/installation and service business and built up capabilities organically. We increased the number of staff and invested in our service and repair facilities. We have implemented business management controls and quality systems that help us with compliance with a number of industry standards.
We look forward to continued growth and profitability.
What do you credit as the key to your success?
In our business every employee’s contribution is important to the company’s success and customer satisfaction. We have a productive atmosphere and satisfied staff. Our business was founded on integrity and loyalty which is how we conduct business.
We cannot succeed in business without creating relationships, whether it is within our team, clients or suppliers. Nobody will do business with someone they don’t know and have not learnt to trust. We all have a huge effect upon one other if we only realise this and understand the value of learning how to create wonderful productive and fulfilling relationships
What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
Recruitment of engineering staff with the right skill set is one of our biggest challenges. There is a national shortage of engineers and we at Eurovacuum Products invest in outreach STEM programs.
Price and currency volatility are a challenge as we import from the EURO zone. We have to anticipate the unexpected and plan accordingly to manage risks. Having strict financial controls and stewardship enable us to make informed decisions.
What advice do you wish you’d had on entering the industry and does that differ from the advice you would give to an Apprentice joining now?
It may a bit cheesy but it is important to be yourself. We need to stamp out the myth that female engineers need to “act like men” to fit in. You don’t need to change who you are or how you behave to be an engineer. Believe in yourself!
Seek out a good role model or mentor who you call on for advice.
What hidden talents do you have?
Intuition and self-awareness. My plans and strategies require a level of deep understanding of our core strength, operational goals and vision for the future.
We do not have the option to stand still.
