Behind the Scenes – Our Trip to the Univolt Factory in Vienna

At Oaktree Electrical, we are always looking for ways to improve our services and provide the best solutions for our clients. Recently, we faced availability issues with some of our regular trunking and conduit suppliers. Instead of waiting for supply chain challenges to resolve, we decided to explore alternative options.

This led us to Vienna, Austria, where we visited Univolt, a leading European electrical manufacturer that is not widely known in the UK but plays a significant role in the global electrical industry.

What we discovered was both surprising and exciting, opening up new opportunities for cost savings, supply chain reliability, and enhanced quality assurance.

We were invited to visit Univolt because the electrical supply industry has been facing major challenges, including:

  • Inconsistent stock availability from UK suppliers
  • Rising costs due to supply chain fluctuations
  • Project delays caused by material shortages

Rather than relying solely on traditional suppliers, we wanted to explore alternative manufacturers that could provide a stable supply of high-quality electrical materials.

After extensive research, Univolt stood out as a fourth-generation family-run manufacturer, highly regarded across Europe and beyond. We took the opportunity to visit their facility in person and assess the potential for a long-term partnership.

Exploring the Univolt Factory

Visiting the Univolt factory gave us an in-depth look at their production processes and quality control measures.

Some of the key observations from the visit include:

  • Advanced manufacturing technology that ensures precision and durability
  • Strict quality control processes that maintain consistent standards
  • Efficient production methods that allow for cost savings without compromising quality

What stood out most was the level of expertise, innovation, and passion that went into every product, making Univolt a potential game-changer for our supply chain.

A Surprising Discovery – Univolt’s Hidden Role in the UK Market

One of the biggest revelations from our visit was discovering that several mainstream UK suppliers are already sourcing their materials from Univolt, rebranding them, and reselling them under their own names.

This means that we’ve been using Univolt-manufactured products for years—without even realising it.

What This Means for Oaktree Electrical:

  • We can reduce costs by cutting out middlemen
  • We can ensure direct stock availability without relying on third-party suppliers
  • We can maintain high quality while benefiting from better pricing and supply stability

This discovery presented a major opportunity for us to improve our procurement strategy and pass cost savings directly to our clients.

How This Benefits Our Clients

At Oaktree Electrical, we always look for ways to enhance our services and provide value to our clients.

By integrating Univolt products into our supply chain, we can offer:

  • More competitive pricing on electrical installations
  • A reliable supply of high-quality trunking and conduit
  • Greater flexibility in project planning and delivery
  • Consistent quality standards across all installations

This ensures that our clients receive the best solutions without the risks of material shortages or pricing fluctuations.

The Family Behind Univolt – Passion for Excellence

Beyond the technical side of manufacturing, one of the most inspiring aspects of the trip was meeting the people behind Univolt.

Univolt is a family business that has been passed down through four generations. The team is deeply passionate about their work and takes great pride in producing top-tier electrical products.

One of the most memorable moments was meeting the 94-year-old grandfather who still plays an active role in the business. His dedication and enthusiasm for the company were remarkable and a reminder of the power of passion in driving long-term success.

What’s Next? Evaluating Univolt for Future Projects

Following our visit, we are now assessing how Univolt’s products fit into our future projects.

Our next steps include:

  • Conducting internal testing to ensure compatibility with UK standards
  • Comparing pricing and supply chain benefits
  • Evaluating potential long-term partnerships

This trip to Univolt reinforced the importance of taking proactive steps in business. Instead of waiting for supply chain challenges to resolve, we sought out alternative solutions that could benefit both our company and our clients.

At Oak Tree Electrical, we remain committed to innovation, efficiency, and delivering the best possible service.

The Importance of Adapting to Industry Changes

The electrical industry is evolving, and the companies that adapt and innovate will be the ones that stay ahead.

This trip reinforced three key lessons:

  1. The best businesses don’t wait for solutions—they find them.
  2. Supply chain control is key to cost efficiency and reliability.
  3. Building relationships with manufacturers ensures long-term success.

We look forward to exploring how Univolt’s high-quality materials can help us deliver even better results for our clients.

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PHONE
01322 552888
EMAIL
office@oaktree-electrical.co.uk
ADDRESS
Oaktree Electrical Ltd
Unit 13a Hill Park Farm
Wrotham Hill Road
Wrotham
Kent
TN15 7QA

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