Meet Anna Campbell, the Sales and Business Development Executive at KnitMesh Technologies with a focus on the automotive sector. As she is due to celebrate her impressive 7-year work anniversary at the company, we sat down with Anna to dive into her journey and insights into the world of knitted wire mesh within the automotive industry.
Q&A with Anna Campbell
Q: Can you share with us a bit about your background and how you got started at KnitMesh Technologies?
At 20 years old, I completed a three-year apprenticeship in Germany and earned certification as an „industriekauffrau“, focusing on industrial manufacturing.
From 2007 to 2013, I gained experience in diverse industries in Ireland and Germany, such as food, banking, and automotive. Upon relocating to the United Kingdom, I worked in various sectors including wipe, aerospace, and labelling industries.
In 2018, I joined KnitMesh Technologies as a European Sales Advisor with a specialisation in the automotive sector. My fluency in German and Polish was instrumental in securing the role, as the company works with many European customers. I advanced within the company, eventually being promoted to Sales and Business Development Executive after four successful years.
Q: What inspired you to join KnitMesh Technologies?
Before joining KnitMesh Technologies, I had limited knowledge about the company and knitted wire mesh. After researching the impressive capabilities of knitted wire mesh, I became enthusiastic about selling our products to the automotive industry. I saw KnitMesh Technologies as the perfect place to learn, grow, and make a significant impact in the automotive sector.
Q: As a Sales and Business Development Executive, what does a typical day look like for you at KnitMesh Technologies?
Every day, my primary goal is to ensure customer satisfaction, while also actively seeking out new sales opportunities for our knitted wire mesh products. I achieve this by meeting with decision makers and demonstrating the numerous benefits of our knitted wire mesh solutions. This includes showing how our products can help customers save money and improve their operational efficiency.
I also dedicate time to nurturing relationships with our existing automotive customers. I conduct market research to uncover potential sales opportunities and represent KnitMesh Technologies at industry events such as exhibitions and conferences.
Q: How have you seen the automotive sector evolve during your time at the company, and what role does KnitMesh Technologies play in this industry?
The automotive industry is continuously evolving as sustainability and technological advancements, like electric and hydrogen vehicles, replace traditional combustion engines. The industry’s focus on sustainability has led to a rise in using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient components, and emissions-reduction technologies.
Our knitted wire mesh is extremely versatile and perfectly aligns with the changing demands of the automotive industry. It can be applied in various ways, including in Airbag Filters, Vibration Dampers, and Heatshield Isolators.
Q: How does KnitMesh Technologies differentiate itself from other manufacturers in the industry, particularly in the automotive sector?
We set ourselves apart in several ways. We pride ourselves on offering unique and customised knitted wire mesh solutions for a variety of automotive needs. Our commitment to quality control and high manufacturing standards ensures that each product is tailor-made to meet our customers‘ exact specifications.
With manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom and India, we have a strong global presence that enables us to efficiently manage the supply chain and provide consistent support to automotive customers around the world.
Also, our ongoing research and development efforts allow us to stay ahead of market trends and maintain our position as a leader in innovative wire mesh solutions for the automotive industry.
Q: What advice would you give to individuals looking to pursue a career in sales and business development within the manufacturing sector?
First and foremost, understand your industry. Familiarise yourself with your company’s manufacturing processes, products, and technologies so that you can effectively communicate with customers, understand their needs, and offer tailored solutions. I understand how intimidating it can be to approach new people, but knowing your product is half the battle.
Also, question everything. Sales and business development jobs can be difficult and require perseverance, resilience, and a positive attitude. Always try to find a solution to the impossible, and never be afraid to present your ideas.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the future of KnitMesh Technologies and its relationship with the automotive sector?
I am extremely proud of the direction KnitMesh Technologies is heading in. We are innovating and developing advanced knitted wire mesh products that meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
We have also recently invested in new machinery, including the world’s largest wire knitting machine, which can knit mesh up to 4 metres wide and is truly groundbreaking for the hydrogen industry. Being the „first“ is incredible, and it will open up a world of new possibilities for us.
I also believe that my relationship with my customers is growing stronger, which makes me very proud. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the future. We are in for an exciting time!
Contact KnitMesh Technologies
For more information on KnitMesh Technologies and their knitted wire mesh products for the automotive industry, email enquiries@knitmesh.com or call +44 (0)1352 717 640.