EUROPE improvement we will typically write up a case study . We will then circulate that within the organisation and also during our corporate reviews with our customers . There have been many cases of an improvement being scaled to multiple manufacturing plants ; if we know improvements can be made , then there is no reason that these cannot be rolled out globally .”

Continuous development is a key element of keeping talent and Houghton invests much in training . In 2013 , Houghton won two Training Journal Awards for their HELIX training programme specially developed for their sales organisation .

Smart innovation As European Equipment and Services Manager , Mirek Kania is keen to illustrate the pivotal role that research and development plays in directing the company ’ s approach to providing solutions to its customers , and it is this factor that enables Houghton to retain its leading global position . He says : “ We are more distinctive in the marketplace because we provide the customer with the greatest number of tools and because we can offer them the most savings . If a customer uses standard filtration methods , for example , we can provide additional equipment that enables them to make unexpected savings - perhaps a secondary filtration device that helps to keep the fluid cleaner and in better condition .”

Chung-Fat adds : “ We have research groups

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