As Evans Vanodine enters its 103rd year, we sat down with Carl Evans, Production Director, and a member of the Evans family’s fifth generation to talk about his working life at Evans Vanodine.
At the age of 21, Carl joined the business within the Despatch team, delivering our products around the country. He then progressed to manager of the Despatch Team and then moved Departments to become part of our Procurement Team. While spending his time, understanding each department’s role, he later moved into the position of Production Manager, overseeing our Manufacturing Teams which felt like a best fit as it brought together all of what he had learned early on in his career at Evans. During the pandemic, Carl began his Directorship after 17 years working at Evans Vanodine. Being the first of the fifth generation to join the directorship.
What is your first memory of Evans Vanodine?
My first memory is coming into work with my dad, Chris, at roughly the age of 10 on my school holidays. I’d spend a lot of my time photocopying and shredding what I could. Once I had gotten in the way a little too much, I would be sent to the Warehouse to visit Len and cause general mischief. On the odd occasion, I’d go out on day trips on the wagons for delivery.
How does it make you feel when you see Evans Vanodine products being used in the media?
It makes me proud when I see Evans product on TV, social media or even on holiday.
As most of Team Evans know, I’m partial to spend my free time on the odd Motorbike Track Day in Spain. I was over in Jerez, and I went to pick up a 25 L drum to use as fuel to find that I had been given a drum with an Evans Dishwash sticker on, there really is no escape!
Moments like this really make you appreciate all the hard work that everyone has put in over the years to produce our products. Every department plays a part, from the shop floor to offices, it’s a testament to everyone past and present that we have been doing this for over 100 years, I’d love nothing more than to ensure that we are here in another 100 years.
What would you like to bring to your new role as Production Director?
My main goal is to develop the day to day running of the factory by focusing on improving our OEE whilst also investing in new machinery and training to make tasks smoother and easier which can in turn boost morale. Additionally, I would also like to improve inter-departmental relationships of all environments we have here at Evans, through constant communication and team building.
In the years you have spent working for Evans Vanodine, how do you feel the business has changed?
During the 17 years I’ve been at Evans, there have been so many changes and all for the best, from our Health and Safety Team which, has gone from being what felt like a faded light to a spotlight, especially with the complexities of COMAH, COVID-19 and beyond. Without Health and Safety, we wouldn’t have the credentials and recognition we have today as it all is an integral part of the day to day running of the business.
Additionally, the members of staff that have joined Evans at all levels; Kate (Purchasing Manager), Nicky (UK Sales Manager), Antonia (Marketing Manager), Neil (Production Manager), Simon (Demand Planner), Camilla (UK Livestock Sales), Howard (Company Technical Manager), along with Louise and Jenny, our shop floor supervisors and line leaders to name a few. All these people have either started over the last few years or reacted positively under pressure and driven their teams to make required changes during these unprecedented times.
What is your favourite Evans Vanodine product and why?
For me, it must be Everfresh Apple, it’s the smell that gets my vote. Distinctive and can’t be missed. I’ve lost count of how many times friends have sent me pictures from their travels or pinched a bottle from my home.
Following the recent passing of your grandfather, Derek, what legacy did he leave and what are you taking from it?
I always remember his no fuss attitude, from his home life to his work life, he was never afraid to try, unless Grandma said otherwise! I will never forget he used to say to me, “If you don’t try, you’re destined to fail, and don’t beat around the bush, just go get it done.” Since his passing, I’ve heard so many compliments from staff, customers and friends that were full of praise for him, and I can’t thank them enough for these kind words.
He was a proper family man and a little soft at times, I won’t say names, but I’ve even been asked on a few occasions if he would consider adopting them. It always made him laugh but he was adamant he had enough and enjoyed the peace and quiet whenever he could find it.
There has always been a pride at Evans Vanodine that it is a family business, how will you strive to maintain that in this changing world?
There has always been a pride within Evans that it is a family business and that’s the way my family and I would like it to stay. Along with the help of the fourth generation and the fifth generation, including myself, coming into the business with fresh ideas and drive, this can only be a good thing.
Being a family business has its benefits, days at the races, Christmas parties, Christmas raffle and visits to the Panto, it’s great to see the members of Team Evans to come together outside of the workplace. We always want staff to feel free to air ideas and thoughts, office doors may be closed, but they’re always open for a catch up when needed, as without these conversations, we would get stuck in our ways and not adapt for our future.
What does Team Evans mean to you?
With a range of varying roles being completed throughout the day in all our differing work environments, it’s always rewarding to see everyone come together outside and during the working day. It’s nice to know that we can make the job we do, something enjoyable and go home happy at the end of the day.
