Innovation in a Vacuum
Interview with Christopher Goebel, Managing Director of ULVAC GmbH
ULVAC GmbH provides innovative solutions in the field of vacuum technology, which are applied in a variety of industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, automotive industry, and energy storage. The advanced vacuum equipment and systems from ULVAC are characterized by high efficiency, reliability, and adaptability.
ULVAC was founded in Japan in 1952 and has since developed into a pioneer in vacuum technology. "ULVAC has the widest range of vacuum equipment and integrates various components into the products, which sets us apart from many competitors," says Christopher Goebel, who has been part of ULVAC since 1993 and has been leading ULVAC GmbH in Europe since 2017.
Strategic Orientation in Europe
The expansion of the European business is of great importance to ULVAC. Christopher Goebel emphasizes: "We have experienced strong growth since 2017, but we want to further expand our presence in Europe." The company plans to establish local manufacturing sites as well as research and development centers in the coming years
to establish itself. "To truly grow, we need to produce and research locally," he explains. A central goal is to reduce dependence on Asian markets. "95% of our business currently comes from Asia. We want to achieve a balanced ratio where one third of our business comes from the USA, one third from Europe, and one third from Asia," the Chief Executive Officer explains.
Meeting Challenges
However, expanding into the European market is associated with several challenges. "The German economy is heavily influenced by established companies that have often been in business for decades. We must offer unique technologies and solutions to be competitive," explains Christopher Goebel. Furthermore, products must be adapted to the specific requirements of the European market. "We need to ensure that our products comply with CE regulations, which often means that we have to redevelop software and hardware," the Chief Executive Officer says.
Innovative Product Portfolio
ULVAC offers a wide range of vacuum technologies that are used in various industries including semiconductors, automotive industry, and energy storage. Christopher Goebel emphasizes, "Our products are crucial for manufacturing technologies that are becoming increasingly important in our daily lives." The company is intensively working on developing facilities to produce rare earths needed in the electric vehicle industry.
Customer Relationships and Service
Other key aspects include maintaining customer relationships and the service provided. ULVAC relies on close collaboration with its customers to understand their specific needs and respond quickly. "Through our international subsidiaries, we can ensure quick response times and comprehensive support, which gives us a competitive advantage," says Christopher Goebel.
Future Prospects
The next five years are crucial for ULVAC. Christopher Goebel predicts: "We plan to increase our staff from 50 to 100 to 150 and create local production facilities. This is necessary to remain competitive in the European market. We need to grow significantly to maintain our lead."