Manufacturing Magazine March 2016 | Page 32

HOUGHTON INTERNATIONAL

Houghton International is the world ’ s largest metalworking fluids company and is keeping ahead of its competition while fostering innovation and delivering value for a range of customers

Houghton International ’ s reputation as a problem solver for its customers has been long and hard-earned – it all started in 1867 ( two years after its founding ) when it introduced a rust prevention product into the American market . Since then the company has grown its products and industry verticals , and has also expanded internationally .

After successive years of strategic investment and growth , the company was recognised in a 2010 report by Kline & Company as the world ’ s largest supplier of metalworking fluids . Following up this achievement , we speak to a number of key management figures within Houghton who outline how this was accomplished and how it will be maintained and expanded in the coming years .
This report explores Houghton from multiple angles : we speak to Mervyn Chung-Fat , Director of Marketing and Product Management ; Michel Gerard , Global Director for Automotive Components ; Neil Winterbottom , Director of Fluidcare Operations ; Mirek Kania , European Equipment and Services Manager ; and Dr . Dave Slinkman , Senior Vice President of Global Research and Technology . Together they provide a fascinating insight into how the company has every aspect of its business geared to serving the needs of its customers while maintaining operational excellence across the board .
Customer-centric operations Houghton International is responsible for
32 March 2016