Houghton International to exhibit at Newcastle University Engineering Fair

Newcastle based electro-mechanical engineering specialist Houghton International will be exhibiting at the Newcastle University Engineering Fair on Tuesday 6th November.

The event is being organised by the Careers Service and will be held in the Lindisfarne Room, King's Road Centre, Newcastle University between 3.00pm – 5.30pm.

Jacqueline Mason, HR Manager commented “We are pleased to support the Fair to identify Engineering Graduate talent in the North East.”

For more information, please contact: Jacquie Mason, HR Manager on: +44 (0)191 234 3000 or email: careers@houghton-international.com

Annual Golf Day 2012 - Prize Winners

Houghton International held our Annual Golf Day on Friday 14th September 2012 at Chester-le-Street Golf Club.

This was the 12th year of this event and was once again a great success with a record number of customers and suppliers attending on the day.

Many congratulations to our prize winners who are listed below:

1st Place:    Alan Stewart, Bridon Ropes
2nd Place:   Paul Proud, Houghton International
3rd Place:    Mick Davison, COVA

Nearest The Pin:    Mick Davison, COVA
The Ron Mitten “Back 9” Trophy:    Jamie Chapman, Northumbrian Water
The Karl Curren Trophy for Longest Drive:    Joe Foster, International Paint
Runner Up:    Garry Gibbon, Dalkia

Thanks must go to everyone at Chester-le-Street Golf Club for looking after us so well on the day and to our sponsors: Firenze Italian Restaurant, Gateshead Bearings, Hancock Tools, Jesmond Travel Bureau, PAR and Von Roll.

Latest Customer Testimonials

Please click on the links below to view our latest Customer testimonials:

Ainsworth Inc.
BHK
D H Marine (Shetland) Ltd
Freeman Hospital
International Paint Ltd
Northumbrian Water
Shermco, USA

Houghton International hold successful apprentice recruitment assessment day

Newcastle based electro-mechanical engineering specialist Houghton International held a successful Apprentice Recruitment Assessment Day on 24^th July following an Open day on 4^th July. The company aim to recruit 5 more full time apprentices to join in Autumn 2012, increasing the number of trainees up to 15. 

The apprenticeship programme offered is the AEMT (Association of Mechanical and Electrical Trades) Electro Mechanical Apprenticeship Programme, delivered in conjunction with Loughborough College. This is a four year work based / block release Apprenticeship Programme leading to: Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) L2, BTEC Diploma in Engineering L3, NVQ Electrical and Electronic Engineering L3, City and Guilds 2330, 3 Repair Units and Personal Learning & Thinking Skills (PLTS).

Upon successful completion of the programme there will be further opportunities of on-going future personal development to include HNC / HND qualifications, in addition to career progression within Houghton International.

Jacqueline Mason, HR Manager commented “We are passionate about investing in people in order to ensure we have the skills to continue to grow the business. Our first Apprentice Open Day held last year proved extremely successful. Five apprentices were recruited who are currently completing their first year of the programme. We are also in discussion with a number of further education providers to work towards accredited work based learning across the company, which is part of our objective to be an Employer of Choice.”

For more information, please contact:  Jacqueline Mason, HR Manager on: +44 (0)191 234 3000 or email: careers@houghton-international.com

Houghton International receives record number of enquiries for its range of high voltage coils at USA shows

Electro-mechanical engineering specialist Houghton International’s attendance at the 2012 EASA Convention in Nashville and Hydrovision, the premier global trade event for the hydro sector held at the Kentucky International Convention Center has resulted in a record £1.5 million of enquiries for its range of high voltage coils.

In addition to promoting HiRES™ its standard B-stage end winding solution, the company also showcased HiFLEX™ its innovative world leading, fully cured, totally flexible, insulation system.

Chief Executive Officer, Michael Mitten commented “Our strategy to develop international markets is resulting in increasing demand for our products and services from a number of key markets including North and South America. Exhibiting at the major trade shows has raised our profile and awareness and enabled us to obtain valuable feedback to further develop our products and services. Market reaction has been extremely positive.”

For more information, please contact: Emma Pattison on: +44 (0)191 234 3000 or email: emma.pattison@houghton-international.com

Houghton International make Board appointments

Electro-mechanical engineering specialist Houghton International has made two appointments to its Board. Craig Hutton has been promoted to the position of Operations Director and Cedric McMillan joins the Company as Sales and Marketing Director.

Michael Mitten, Chief Executive Officer commented "These two key appointments will strengthen the Management team and ensure we continue to expand the business through developing new products and services to meet increasing demand from customers in the UK and internationally".

For more information, please contact: Emma Pattison on: +44 (0)191 234 3000 or email: emma.pattison@houghton-international.com

Houghton International set for boost in revenues, The Journal 12/07/12

AN electrical engineering company is expecting to increase its revenues by one third to £6m this year after completing its largest project on behalf of the offshore oil and gas industry.

Newcastle-based Houghton International has recently carried out work for a leading offshore services provider for an undisclosed six-figure sum.

The Walker-based firm pioneers technical and commercial innovation in the repair, maintenance and life extension of rotating electrical machines.

The company has landed a number of orders for its high-voltage coil products from countries such as Canada, Kuwait, Ireland and Singapore, and now expects to grow its international client base over the next four years.

The workforce completed a £1.5m investment programme to expand its operations facilities into a new 12,000sqft manufacturing facility last August, bringing the firm’s total space up to 37,000sqft.

The company recently exhibited its high-voltage coil products at a trade show in Florida, which generated £500,000 worth of business as a result.

The firm has also benefited from the downturn in the rail industry, which has seen a number of operators call on its expertise to extend the life of their propulsion systems in order to avoid investing in new rolling stock.

This has seen the company provide its services to a growing number of rail franchises over the past year, including South West Trains in London.

It is now looking to grow its sales from around £4.5m to £6m by the end of the year as a result of the increased workload, as well as add five staff to its 84-strong workforce.
  
Houghton International was originally founded in 1984 in Houghton- le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, before moving to larger premises in South Shields, South Tyneside, in 1990 to accommodate an increase in both employees and orders, and moving to Walker Riverside in 1998.

Managing director Michael Mitten said: “Our strategy to develop international markets is resulting in increasing demand for our products and services from a number of key markets, including North and South America.

“Exhibiting at the major trade shows has raised our profile and awareness and enabled us to obtain valuable feedback to further develop our products and services.

“We’re passionate about investing in people in order to ensure we have the skills to grow the business. British Engines has recently launched their trainee academy and that is something we’re going to be doing in the next six to 12 months. We’re looking to hire five more apprentices in the coming months, which will bring our number of trainees up to 15.”

The firm held their second apprentice recruitment open day on July 4 aimed at recruiting a number of full-time apprentices to join the company this autumn.
 
It is also in discussions with Tyne North Training and Newcastle College to work towards accredited work- based learning across the company, which is part of their objective to be an employer of choice.

Over the years, the company has gained more than 400 customers and exports to over 20 countries, including Greece, Canada, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Norway and the USA.

http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news//2012/07/12/houghton-international-set-for-boost-in-revenues-51140-31376049/2/

Houghton International completes largest project for leading international offshore services provider

Electro-mechanical engineering specialist Houghton International has recently completed their largest project on behalf of a leading international provider of offshore contract services for oil and gas wells.

A 17 tonne, 4.6MW thruster motor on an offshore oil rig had been severely damaged due to flooding. As a result, a complete repair and refurbishment to the stator, armature, bearings and brush gear was required.

Michael Mitten, Chief Executive Officer commented “Securing this six figure order was particularly pleasing given the level of competition. It required the highest level of specialist technical skills and project management demanded by a blue chip multinational client. It also endorses our £1.5million investment programme to expand our operations facilities and skilled workforce to meet increasing demand from customers in the UK and internationally”.

For more information, please contact: Emma Pattison, Marketing Executive on: +44 (0)191 234 3000 or email: emma.pattison@houghton-international.com

What is it like to be an Apprentice for Houghton International?

Apprentice Recruitment Open Day, Wednesday 4th July 2012

Houghton International is recruiting full time Apprentices to join the team in August / September 2012.

We are inviting all interested applicants to discuss the opportunities available and meet the Houghton International team at our Apprentice Recruitment Open Day on Wednesday 4th July 2012 between the hours of 9.00am – 3.00pm.

Address:
Neptune House, Unit 3, Riverside Court, Ambrose Place, off Fisher Street, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4LT.

Entry Requirements:
5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths, English Language & Science.

Apprenticeship Programme:
The AEMT (Association of Mechanical and Electrical Trades) Electro Mechanical Apprenticeship Programme delivered in conjunction with Loughborough College.

This is a four year work based / block release Apprenticeship Programme leading to:

• Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) L2
• BTEC Diploma in Engineering L3
• NVQ Electrical and Electronic Engineering L3
• City and Guilds 2330, 3 Repair Units
• Personal Learning & Thinking Skills (PLTS)

Upon successful completion of the programme there will be further opportunities of ongoing future personal development to include HNC / HND qualifications in addition to career progression within Houghton International.

To register your interest please contact: Jacqueline Mason, HR Manager. Email: careers@houghton-international.com or telephone: +44 (0)191 234 3000.

For more information visit: www.houghton-international.com

Houghton International is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

North East Business Awards 2012

Part Time Administrator (25 hours per week over 5 days)

We require a Part-Time Administrator to work within the HV/HT Business Unit for the UK's fastest growing, most customer focused, electric motor and generator service company.  You will report to the HV/HT Supervisor.  This is an excellent opportunity for career development for the right person with full training being provided.

The job is to work alongside the Full Time Administrator and has become available due to our expansion programme and to help Houghton International become the best in the world in what we do.

Job Description:

• Booking new jobs onto the system
• Input timesheet data onto EMIR software
• Administration support
• Stock control
• Populating spreadsheets
• Assembling cost information for invoicing
• Raising orders
• Daily coordination of shipping and transportation process
• Producing performance charts
• Completing jobs off EMIR and invoicing day of despatch
• Query handling
• Maintain accurate records
• Develop and maintain good working relationships internally
• Develop good working relationships with customers and suppliers

Person Specification:

You must possess strong communication skills, with the ability and confidence to deal with people at all levels. Excellent internal / external customer service and IT skills are essential. Previous industry experience is desirable.

Hours of Work:

This role is part-time and will be 25 hours per week, worked over 5 days Monday to Friday, during the core working hours of the business. Overtime on occasions may be required to meet the needs of the business.

The core working hours of the business are: Monday to Thursday 8.00am – 4.30pm and 08.00am - 3.30pm on Fridays.

How To Apply:

Email: careers@houghton-international.com with your CV and a full detailed covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position and what you feel that you can bring to the role or call us on +44 (0)191 234 3000 and ask to speak to Jacqueline Mason, HR Manager.

Houghton International is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Latest Vacancy: Receptionist / Administrator

Due to our continuous expansion programme, a new exciting opportunity has become available within Houghton International.

This is an interesting and varied opportunity for a Team player who enjoys delivering professional high standards of customer care and satisfaction both on the telephone and in a customer facing role.

If you enjoy being organised, building rapport with internal and external customers and want to use the sound Administration experience you have gained in a similar role this could be the new challenge you are looking for.

Making our clients feel welcome as first point of contact you will meet, greet and offer refreshments. In addition you will answer the switchboard in a professional and friendly manner, directing the calls to the correct recipients or alternatively taking and forwarding on messages.

An important part of the job role is to carry out a variety of administrations tasks for the Business Units which could include:

• Organising business travel and meetings
  
• Distributing marketing material
  
• Word processing
  
• Booking the meeting rooms
  

This is a job share position over 3 days per week working between the hours of 12.00pm – 5.00pm on Wednesday, 08.00am - 5.00pm on Thursday and 08.00am - 4.00pm on Fridays. To cover the job share partner holidays additional hours will be required to be worked as and when required.

In return we offer a competitive remuneration package with the opportunity of ongoing personal development.

How To Apply:

Email: careers@houghton-international.com with your CV and a full detailed covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position and what you feel that you can bring to the role or call us on +44 (0)191 234 3000 and ask to speak to Jacqueline Mason, HR Manager.

Houghton International is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Latest Vacancy: Workshop Controller

Due to our current expansion programme, a new exciting opportunity to develop your career within Houghton International has become available.

We are looking for an enthusiastic member of the team who will support the Business Unit Manager by planning the daily work load of the workshop in order to meet set targets whilst retaining high levels of quality and customer satisfaction.

The Workshop Controller is responsible for the implementation of best practice in workshop productivity and utilisation. Success will be achieved through meeting quality standards, customer satisfaction, continuous business and individual improvement in a safe, cost effective and timely manner whilst remaining legally compliant.

Main Duties of the Role:

• Effectively plan the daily workshop activity through raising job cards and actively assessing resources.
• Optimise workshop productivity and efficiencies through monitoring time and costs of each set job through electronic time management system.
• Challenge Supervisors and Business Unit Team Members to continuously complete all jobs to meet quality standards in a safe, timely and cost effective manner.
• Feedback to the Business Unit Manager or other appropriate person of any customer problems or complaints.
• Maintain quality standards through quality control and conformity of the finished product.
• Ensure security, cleanliness of workshop and vehicles relevant to Business Unit.
• Raise invoices ensuring all work completed has been fully detailed and charged for.
• Ensure all account customers have not had credit suspended and work falls within credit limit and or payment times.
• Prepare statistical reports for the Management Team.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience of leading a Team in a similar role
• Engineering experience
• Strong Administration skills
• High levels of interpersonal skills
• The ability to show empathy
• Ability to manage your own workload and prioritise workload.

The core hours of work are 39 per week over 5 days between business hours of 8.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am to 3.30pm on Fridays. To meet the needs of the business additional hours may be required to be worked, which may include evenings and weekends.

The role on occasions may require UK and or Global Travel therefore a full driving licence is desirable.

Salary: £24k - £30k depending on experience.

How To Apply: 

Email: careers@houghton-international.com with your CV and a full detailed covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position and what you feel that you can bring to the role or call us on +44 (0)191 234 3000 and ask to speak to Jacqueline Mason, HR Manager.


Houghton International is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Supporting Schools in The Gambia

Houghton International recently made a donation towards a project to send unwanted school furniture and playground equipment out to schools in The Gambia.   Information on the project is below:

"The 40ft container left the UK at end of January 2012. It had taken about a year to collect, store and pack the container. Most of the stuff is unwanted furniture from schools that were being closed or knocked down and if we didn't take it, it would have gone to landfill.

The primary school in Gambia has about 2000 pupils and their needs were very basic as you can see from the photos.

The container arrived in February 2012 while we were there and it was quite an emotional sight when we saw it arrive (we weren`t there for our first one 2 years ago).

It took Phil and 3 helpers 2 to 3 days to pack the container. It took these boys just 2 hours to unpack when it arrived!  We were rewarded with a certificate of appreciation which was presented to us just before we left.

Your generous donation helped make this possible. Many many thanks. Sue and Phil Taylor"

 

Export Award Finalist - North East Business Awards 2012

We are delighted to announce that Houghton International were named as a Finalist in the Export Award category at the North East Business Awards 2012, Tyneside and Northumberland region on 22nd March 2012.

Congratulations to our competitors: Soil Machine Dynamics Limited, Wallsend (Finalist) and Thermacore Europe Limited, Ashington (Winner).

Visit us on Stand 1509 at the EASA Show in Nashville

We're looking forward to seeing you on Stand 1509 at the EASA Convention in Nashville, Sunday 24th - Tuesday 26th June, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Centre, where you can meet the following representatives from Houghton International:

Michael Mitten, Managing Director
Steven Goodacre, Business Development Manager
Stuart Whitfield, Technical Account Manager
Emma Pattison, Marketing Executive

This is our third consecutive year exhibiting at the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) Convention and we are looking forward to seeing you in Nashville.

As one of the biggest events in our sector's worldwide event calendar, the EASA Convention enables us to promote our wide range of high voltage coils to potential customers from all over the world.

For more information and/or to arrange an appointment with us on Stand 1509 in Nashville, please contact Emma Pattison, Marketing Executive on +44 (0) 191 234 7805 or email: emma.pattison@houghton-international.com

Visit us on Stand 1850 at the Hydrovision Show, USA

We're looking forward to seeing you on Stand 1850 at the Hydrovision Show, 17th - 20th July, at the Kentucky International Convention Center, where you can meet the following representatives from Houghton International:

Steven Goodacre, Business Development Manager
Stuart Whitfield, Technical Account Manager

This is our first time exhibiting at the Hydrovision Show and we are looking forward to showcasing our wide range of high voltage coils to potential customers from all over the world.

For more information and/or to arrange an appointment with us on Stand 1850 at the Hydrovision Show, please contact Emma Pattison, Marketing Executive on +44 (0) 191 234 7805 or email: emma.pattison@houghton-international.com

HiFlex - Our High Voltage Coil Insulation System

Designed for use in tropical climates, HiFlex is our fully cured, but totally flexible, insulation system, primarily for high voltage coils.

Click on the image below to view our latest HiFlex advert.

High Voltage Coils Brochure - Spanish Language

Click on the image below to view our High Voltage Coils Brochure which we have translated into Spanish.

High Voltage Coils Brochure - English Language

Click on the image below to view our High Voltage Coils Brochure:

Export Award Finalist - North East Business Awards 2012

We are delighted to announce that Houghton International are a finalist in the Export Award category, Tyneside and Northumberland Region, at the North East Business Awards 2012.

The winner is due to be announced at the Awards ceremony on Thursday 22nd March 2012.

 

Latest Vacancy: Web Developer / IT Support Technician

Due to our continuous expansion programme, a new exciting opportunity has become available within Houghton International for a Web Developer / IT Support Technician.

We are looking for an enthusiastic member of the team who can develop and manage our online web presence. Through the successful development of our website, you will take our online presence to a whole new level, to generate new sales enquiries to compliment our global Sales and Marketing strategy.

With excellent attention to detail, you will develop and manage our online presence, including the existing company website www.houghton-international.com and our other domain names. At all times, you ensuring that our branding guidelines are followed and the Houghton International brand is effectively communicated.

You will work closely with the Business Development team to revamp the design and content of the website. You may be requested to assist them with HTML email campaigns and e-newsletters.

In addition to the above, you will provide company wide support for all IT related issues. You will be the first point of contact for all IT solutions within the business, including Hardware and Software support. You will provide technical support for any Presentations. Back up will be available from our outsourced IT support company and you will liaise between your colleagues and the outsourced IT support.

You may be asked to review our existing internal and external IT policies and procedures and suggest improvements to the Management Team.

You will manage all of the IT Hardware and Software within the company, including, but not limited to:

• Printers / Scanners, e.g. setting up, troubleshooting.
• Installation of new PCs, laptops, iPads, iPhones & Blackberries.
• Managing users on the system, including setting up new users.
• Managing email addresses, including setting up new users.
• Manage email signatures, ensuring they meet our company guidelines.
• Installation and troubleshooting for iPhones, iPads and Blackberries.
• Time & Attendance recording system.
• Server maintenance and daily server back ups.
• Manage the Spam email filter.
• Install and manage Skype accounts across the business.
• Monitor the Wireless Network Connection.

Essential Requirements of the Role:

• Excellent HTML / CSS skills.
• Experience using PHP.
• Proven Web Design experience.
• Experience of using Content Management Systems (CMS), e.g. www.cmsmadesimple.org
• Use of Microsoft Office & Outlook to a high standard.
• Experience in using different Web browsers, including: Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari and Opera.
• Experienced in using Google Analytics and providing monthly and one off reports.
• Create and send and monitor Email marketing campaigns and newsletters.
• Experience in using Social Media, e.g. Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube & Blogs.
• 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English.
• Project Management experience.
• Experience of working to tight deadlines.
• Written and spoken English to a Native level.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent Spelling & Grammar.
• Excellent proof reading skills.
• Experience in writing for the Web.
• Ability to work within a team.
• Ability to manage your own workload and prioritise workload.

Desirable Requirements of the Role:

• A-Levels (or equivalent) in relevant subject.
• Degree in a relevant subject.
• Experience in using Java.
• Experience in using and/or developing Apps for iPhones and iPads.
• Experience in using Video editing software.
• Experience in using Photoshop (or similar programme).
• Experience in using and setting up RSS Feeds.
• Knowledge of Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) & web accessibility.
• Knowledge of Legal requirements for Websites.
• Experience in identifying and ordering Computer Hardware and Software.
• Experience working to and managing Budgets.
• Experience in using EMIR Software.
• Foreign language skills.
• Experience within an Engineering / Manufacturing environment.

This is a temporary position of 25 per week to be worked over 5 days, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required to meet the needs of the business.

In return we offer a competitive remuneration package with the opportunity of ongoing personal development.

How To Apply: 

Email: careers@houghton-international.com with your CV, a full detailed covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position and what you feel that you can bring to the role, plus examples of your work (e.g. screen shot or valid web links). Alternatively, call us on +44 (0)191 234 3000 and ask to speak to Jacqueline Mason, HR Manager.

Houghton International is an Equal Opportunities Employer.