
Introducing Usha Reichel: Vulcan’s New Technical Manager
We’re delighted to welcome Usha Reichel as our new Technical Manager at Vulcan Refractories. With her impressive background in Material Science and Engineering and extensive experience in the refractory industry, Usha is a fantastic addition to our team. We get to know Usha better as she shares her journey into the refractory industry and her vision for contributing to Vulcan’s future success.
Can you tell us a bit about your educational background and what sparked your interest in the refractory industry?
I studied Material Science and Engineering at the Technical University of Berlin (Germany). The course provided a strong foundation in polymers, metals, and ceramics. During my master’s degree, I took an optional seminar on refractories taught by an industry professional, which introduced me to this fascinating field.
I later completed a semester in France and an internship in a high-performance ceramics research centre. Through these experiences, I found my first role in the refractory industry in the UK.
What expertise do you bring from your experience in past roles?
My training as an internal auditor for ISO 9001 and 14001 gives me a solid understanding of production procedures and quality management systems. I personally aim to always maintain high standards and align processes with compliance requirements and customer requests. This experience has been invaluable in preparing me to take on technical challenges and lead improvement initiatives effectively.
What are some of the key challenges you’ve observed in the refractory industry?
One of the main challenges lies in the variability of raw materials, which are often derived from natural sources. These variations can never be fully eliminated, requiring constant monitoring to maintain product consistency.
Another challenge is modernisation. Unlike industries such as automotive or aviation, the refractory industry has faced less external pressure to innovate and adopt automation. Companies must take the lead in modernising processes while maintaining efficiency during the transition.
What motivates you in your work, and how do you maintain focus during challenging projects?
I enjoy improving processes and working collaboratively to achieve goals, especially in product development. Involving shop floor teams early in projects often accelerates progress and ensures smoother implementation of changes.
For larger projects, I rely on task lists and timelines to maintain focus. Clear structures and achievable goals keep me organised and motivated throughout the process.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
My first line manager advised me to listen to the shop floor teams and combine their knowledge with scientific data. This approach has been invaluable for product development, identifying issues, implementing quality checks, and gaining buy-in for changes.
As you settle into your role, what are you most looking forward to at Vulcan?
I’m excited to work with people across all levels of the business and gain insights into everything from production to customer applications. The openness and collaboration I’ve already experienced at Vulcan will help me adapt quickly and better understand customer needs. This will support product development and ensure our solutions meet high standards of quality and innovation.
A Shared Vision for Excellence
At Vulcan Refractories, we’re proud to welcome Usha to our team. Her dedication to quality, efficiency, and modernisation aligns perfectly with our values. We’re confident that her expertise will drive innovation and help Vulcan continue to lead the way in the refractory industry.