Two decades of innovation and growth
A WEXFORD-based company, which emerged from a near-disastrous fire more than a decade ago, is celebrating its 20th year as the leading high-tech vacuum solutions provider in Ireland.
In that time, the name Provac Ltd. has become synonymous with vacuum technology excellence throughout Ireland, Europe and further afield.
A small company with a big reach, it continues to develop and grow and provides sustainable employment in Wexford.
And in an era of uncertainty and volatility, Provac has achieved two decades of innovation and steady growth.
Provac began operations in 1997 in Wexford town providing vacuum pumps and components to Irish industry where vacuum is an essential ingredient.
Provac’s customer base includes companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, semiconductor and coating industries as well as R&D institutions and university laboratories.
The company’s range of product offerings has expanded over the last two decades in response to customers’ evolving expectations and industry demands.
Operations are driven by directors James and Helen Delaney, supported by a team of 12 highly-skilled service engineers, technicians, and administrative personnel.
Over its 20-year history Provac has survived many challenges.
In 2004 the company suffered devastating damage resulting from a fire in the Kerlogue Industrial Estate which could have wiped it out.
Instead, Provac came back stronger, developing their prototype substrate transfer system for the Russian R&D market and established close co-operation with microscopy and laser companies in Moscow, supplying vacuum chambers, fittings and equipment and successfully selling the substrate transfer ™Wafermove Pro into institutions in St Petersburg and Moscow.
Following the financial crash, the company pro-actively concentrated its efforts on service, both on-site and in-house, achieved Quality Management System accreditation ISO9001:2008 and were awarded the Ulster Bank National Business Achievers award for innovation and technology.
Reflecting on the achievements of the last 20 years James Delaney said, ‘we constantly seek ways to improve what we are doing in order to satisfy the needs of our customers and bring the company to a new level. Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts.
‘It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivating them to do their best to achieve it.’
‘Anniversaries are opportunities for reflection’ said Helen.
‘If you ask me what are the main issues that confront us now , I would say that they are the same as they were 20 years ago, no third-level in Wexford, a shameful scarcity of multi-national manufacturing companies in our county and the underdevelopment of Rosslare Europort.
‘But anniversaries are also a time to build and strengthen and with our ‘can-do’ attitude, I believe the future is bright for Provac’.