Becker is a global leader in vacuum pumps and low-pressure compressors, founded on more than 140 years of German engineering excellence. The company operates in over 60 countries and has 1100 employees worldwide. Becker’s vacuum solutions help customers achieve higher productivity, improved energy efficiency, and robust process reliability. The team combines deep technical expertise with a commitment to partnership, ensuring every customer receives tailored solutions and responsive support.
Interview with Richard Oxley, Managing Director at Becker UK.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Richard Oxley: Our core business areas include:
- Vacuum and low-pressure technology, encompassing rotary vane, claw and screw vacuum pumps. Becker also offer a wide range of side channel blowers and radial blowers.
- Engineered & central vacuum systems, designed and built to customer specifications.
- After-sales services, including preventative maintenance, emergency support, and rapid spare parts supply for all vacuum brands.
What’s the news about new products?
R.O: In 2025, we are introducing the next-generation of energy-efficient claw vacuum pumps, engineered to deliver outstanding performance with significantly reduced power consumption. Our new extended range will cover flows from 50m3/h upto 600m3/h. Additionally, our soon-to-launch Becker Customer Portal will provide predictive maintenance insights, and streamlined service management.
What are the ranges of products?
R.O: We offer an extensive portfolio to support a diverse range of industrial applications:
- Oil-free and oil-lubricated vacuum pumps
- Side channel blowers and radial blowers
- Low pressure compressors
- Complete vacuum systems with intelligent controls and energy optimisation
- Original Becker spare parts and consumables
- Spare parts and service options for all major brands of vacuum pumps, not just Becker, ensuring flexibility and continuity for customers with mixed assets
- Comprehensive service agreements and system audits
- Custom-engineered solutions for automation, material handling, and process-critical applications
One standout example of our systems expertise is our project with Crystal Doors, a UK manufacturer of kitchen and bedroom components. We designed and installed a vacuum system that:
- Improved the quality and reliability of their production processes
- Reduced unplanned downtime
- Reduced energy consumption
- Contributed to their sustainability targets
This project demonstrates how our solutions not only drive operational excellence but also deliver measurable benefits for our customers.
At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
R.O: The UK market remains robust, particularly in sectors where vacuum and low-pressure technologies are essential to production efficiency and product quality. Our key markets include:
- Woodworking and furniture manufacturing, where Becker pumps power CNC routers, and laminating systems.
- Packaging and printing, where vacuum pumps are found in almost every production environment.
- Food and beverage, supporting hygienic and reliable vacuum in automated production and packaging lines.
- Medical and healthcare, where our vacuum solutions meet stringent standards for surgical suction and laboratory environments.
- Electronics and semiconductors, where high-performance vacuum systems are essential for 24/7 production.
- – Environmental and recycling technologies, where we support filtration, aeration, and pneumatic conveying processes.
Customers across these sectors are increasingly prioritising capital investments that reduce lifecycle costs, minimise downtime, and align with sustainability targets. Becker UK’s blend of engineering expertise, system-level thinking, and responsive service is helping customers de-risk operations and improve performance in a competitive market.
What can you tell us about market trends?
R.O: Several trends are shaping our industry:
- Sustainability and Net Zero goals, driving demand for energy-efficient pumps and systems.
- Low Maintenance Solutions & Total Cost of Ownership (TOC): customers are looking for long-term, cost-effective solutions, rather than just the purchase price of new equipment.
- Digital Transformation, including smart monitoring, data analytics, and predictive maintenance.
- Labour constraints, leading to higher investment in automation and process reliability.
Becker is investing in all these areas to help customers stay competitive.
What are the most innovative products marketed?
R.O: Among our most advanced offerings are:
- Our VARIAIR range, of inverter driven vacuum pumps and blowers, combining best-in-class efficiency with proven Becker reliability for maximum uptime.
- Our AI-driven spare parts platform, ensuring maximum availability and response times. 95% of required spares are shipped the same day.
- Mobile service units, which extend the reach of our technical support and reduce unplanned downtime across the UK.
These innovations reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional value over the entire lifecycle of our equipment.
What estimations do you have for 2024?
R.O: We anticipate a strong second half of the year, driven by:
- Ongoing growth in after-sales and service contracts, as customers place greater importance on reliability and support.
- Increased adoption of our claw technology, which simplifies operations and reduce maintenance costs.
- Sustained demand for energy-efficient vacuum systems across manufacturing sectors.
Our focus remains on combining engineering excellence with customer-centric service to help our partners meet their operational, financial, and sustainability goals.