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Old Chang Kee once went global & flopped. Now, it’s taking smarter steps.

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It even had outlets in South Africa

In Singapore, few snack brands are as ubiquitous as Old Chang Kee. Chances are, you’ve grabbed a curry puff, sotong head, or fried chicken wing from them at some point.

After all, the brand operates more than 80 outlets across Singapore, and nearly 30 more overseas—a scale that cements its status as one of the country’s most recognisable homegrown F&B brands.

But what many might not know is that the company’s international ambitions haven’t always gone according to plan. After tasting failure in its earlier overseas push, it took years before Old Chang Kee decided to venture out again—this time, more careful and far more calculated.

So what went wrong the first time around? And what is it doing differently now to avoid repeating history?

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An aggressive expansion push

Old Chang Kee initially began modestly in 1956, when Hainanese immigrant Chang Chuan Boon set up a small curry puff stall at Koek Road. After stints at Albert Street and later Mackenzie Road near Rex Cinema, its puffs, sold at S$0.35 each, became affectionately known as the “Rex curry puffs.”

Old Chang KeeOld Chang Kee
Old Chang Kee stall in the ’50s vs its flagship coffee house at Rex today./ Image Credit: Old Chang Kee

The turning point for the business came in 1986, when Chang retired and sold the business to Han Keen Juan. With S$70,000 pooled from investors, Han took over the Mackenzie Road stall and set about modernising what had been a humble hawker operation.

He rebranded the business with a new logo and the tagline “Old Chang Kee—it’s a better puff,” standardised recipes, mechanised production, and slowly expanded across Singapore.

By 1991, the company had 12 outlets and revenue had more than doubled to S$1.6 million. A factory in Ubi was also set up, churning out over 10,000 curry puffs a day.

Then came the brand’s aggressive overseas push.

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Between 1993 and 1997, Old Chang Kee rapidly expanded through franchises into eight countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India and even South Africa. Sales in Indonesia and Malaysia alone surpassed S$1 million by 1994.

Declining sales & mounting quality complaints

While the growth was rapid, it was unfortunately difficult to sustain.

Overseas franchisees began facing declining sales and mounting complaints over product quality and consistency.

Image Credit: Old Chang Kee

The brand’s CFO, Song Yeow Chung, told Vulcan Post that during its first overseas push, Old Chang Kee exported only curry powder, leaving franchisees to prepare the rest of the spice mix on their own, a model that led to variations in taste across markets.

Brand familiarity was another challenge.

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Song noted that in the 1990s, international travel was far less common than it is today. Consumers in overseas markets were largely unfamiliar with Old Chang Kee and had little prior exposure to its products or brand identity.

By 2002, the overseas outlets had eventually become unprofitable. Han made the decision to terminate all 24 franchises, incurring losses of around S$50,000.

Doubling down on Singapore

Image Credit: Old Chang Kee

While its international ventures faltered, Old Chang Kee doubled down on its Singapore growth, recording S$14 million in sales that year.

Today, the brand operates 77 Old Chang Kee outlets, alongside two sub-brands, including Curry Times, a curry‑themed restaurant concept, and Dip N Go, a grab‑and‑go concept focused on snack items paired with sauces, bringing its total footprint in Singapore to around 82 outlets.

Image Credit: Dewi Abiha, Anderson Ooi via Google Reviews

Consistency is at the heart of its strategy. The curry puff recipe—a core trademark—has remained unchanged over the years, so much so that it is locked in a safe, inaccessible even to the CFO.

While the curry puff remains the brand’s flagship product, Old Chang Kee has also gradually diversified its offerings and expanded its menu.

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“We have products like the steamed curry bao, big curry buns, and we’ve collaborated with other players to introduce a curry sandwich. We’re trying to innovate beyond the core product, but not moving too far away from it,” explained Song.

Seasonal ranges, like the chicken mushroom puff, are tested in small batches. If they resonate with customers, they are added permanently to the menu. The brand leverages its large central kitchen, capable of producing up to 50,000 curry puffs daily, to run these experiments.

“It is a constant series of small experiments,” Song said. “The experiments don’t cost us a lot, and are easily reversible in case they don’t work out.”

These efforts earned Old Chang Kee the Overall Winner Award in the Product Excellence category at the Singapore Manufacturing Federation’s inaugural Singapore Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence Awards (SIMEA) 2026, recognising its commitment to quality, innovation, and pushing boundaries in the manufacturing sector.

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A more measured overseas strategy

The same approach now guides the brand’s overseas strategy.

When the company officially re‑entered international markets in 2005, it prioritised strict quality control, establishing regional factories to ensure its curry puffs tasted consistent across borders.

Instead of shipping curry powder, the company now sends ready-made curry paste, reducing preparation steps for franchisees. Products are also adapted for local tastes, with roughly 70% of offerings maintaining the core identity and 30% customised.

Old Chang Kee outlets in Indonesia./ Image Credit: RnC Studio via Shutterstock.com

Markets are also chosen more strategically, with a focus on countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, where fried foods are popular, and curry flavours resonate with local palates. The company operates around 30 outlets in Indonesia, run by a master franchisee, and three in Malaysia.

London is another market the company has targeted. While it may seem unconventional, the move into the country in 2017 is part of Old Chang Kee’s strategy to experiment internationally while leveraging Singapore’s culinary reputation.

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The move seems to have worked out: the company has been in London for nearly a decade, appealing to consumers with a taste for curry.

Old Chang Kee’s London outlet./ Image Credit: Tripadvisor

But not all international experiments have been as successful for Old Chang Kee, such as its expansion into Perth.

While the market was initially chosen for its large population of Malaysians and Singaporeans, the specific outlet location—a suburban shopping centre with limited footfall—ultimately failed to attract enough customers, leading to its closure.

The company is now exploring whether relocating to a city-centre location could make the venture viable.

Growing in the retail & non-retail space

Image Credit: Michelin Guide/ United Square

As a homegrown F&B brand with decades of experience, these lessons have played an important role in shaping Old Chang Kee’s strategy, guiding its decisions both at home and abroad.

When asked about future overseas ventures, the company remains open to new opportunities—albeit with a more careful and calculated approach.

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At the same time, maintaining and growing its Singapore footprint remains just as important, particularly in a competitive and ever-changing F&B landscape.

“Currently, we have 82 outlets in Singapore,” Song said. “For comparison, Starbucks has around 140 outlets and McDonald’s, over 150. So there’s still leeway for us to grow to 140 or 150 outlets—there’s promise in Singapore for further expansion.”

Beyond just retail, Old Chang Kee is also exploring other revenue streams to drive growth.

While over 90% of revenue still comes from its stores, the brand’s non-retail segments, including delivery, catering, and event services, are expanding “much faster,” and are seen as key areas for future growth.

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Delivery and packaged meals allow the company to reach more customers without the constraints of storefront manpower, while catering ranges from small office orders to full-scale corporate events. The brand’s O’ My Darling food truck also participates in national initiatives, such as the National Day Parade, offering free snacks to participants while boosting brand visibility.

Song noted that these non-retail initiatives are supported by Old Chang Kee’s strong brand recognition and Halal certification.

“Businesses already know and trust Old Chang Kee, so they’re willing to order our bento meals or catered snacks. Being Halal-certified also means our products can be served to everyone, which is a big advantage for corporate clients.”

  • Read other articles we’ve written on Singaporean businesses here.

Featured Image Credit: Old Chang Kee/ @eileen_eats_alot via Instagram

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Tofu brine could power safer batteries that last decades, researchers say

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23 February 2026

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The design replaces the complex, flammable chemistry of lithium-ion batteries with an electrolyte that’s as safe as saltwater. In lab tests, the prototype endured more than 120,000 charge cycles, an endurance record that far exceeds today’s commercial standards. Typical electric-vehicle batteries degrade after just a few thousand cycles – even…
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Best Puffer Jacket (2026): Patagonia, Arc’teryx, REI

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23 February 2026

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Mountain Hardware’s Ghost Whisperer UL hoodie has been a popular pick among ultralight backpackers since it was introduced a few years ago. It remains the best puffer jacket for anyone trying to shave every last ounce off their pack weight. It weighs just 6.7 ounces for a men’s medium (7.3 ounces for the men’s large I tested), packs down to a tiny little thing (stuffing into its own pocket), and the 1,000-fill-power goose down offers one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios on the market. The very lightweight shell material is a mix of 5D and 7D ripstop nylon, which is a bit more fragile than heavier jackets, but it has held up well so far in my testing. I can safely say that the Ghost Whisper UL is everything I ever wanted in an ultralight down puffer and then some.

What sets it apart from some other very nice puffers out there are the little details. First there’s the 1.9 ounces of 1,000-fill-power down, which is as high a fill power as you’ll find in a jacket of this class, meaning you’re getting the maximum warmth and loft that you can for the least amount of weight. My only caveat for this jacket would be, if you are the type of person who gets cold easily, you might want something with a bit more fill. The classic Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody (not the ultralight) has 3 ounces of 800 fill power and is slightly warmer in most scenarios, the trade-off being it’s heavier as well (about 9 ounces for a men’s medium). Also check out the Katabatic Gear puffer below, which is considerably warmer. I do not get cold easily, and I have found the Ghost Whisperer UL works well for me as a warm layer to throw on in camp at high elevation is summer, a mid-layer for hiking in cold conditions, and a mid-layer under the Rab Glaceon Pro in extreme cold.

Other details that make the Ghost Whisperer UL our top pick for ultralight hiking include two very nice zippered hand pockets with a good amount of space to stash little stuff like a three-season hat and some gloves, along with an adjustable drawstring at the waist to keep drafts out. I also love how small this thing packs down, well under the size of a 1L bottle (see photo). It packs into its own left pocket with a reversible zipper, although it will stuff down even smaller if you get a separate stuff sack.

My only gripe about this jacket is that there’s no drawstrings. The hood, cuffs, and waist hem are all elastic. This works fine for the cuffs and hood, but I wish there were a drawstring for the waist. For this reason, if I am expecting temps below 40, I bring a heavier puffer. The rest of the time, this is what you’ll find in my backpack. Note that I found the fit to be a little small. According to the fit guide on the Mountain Hardware website, I am right between medium and large. I tried both and found the large fit much better.

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Specs
Down fill power 1,000
Fill weight 1.9 oz.
Weight 6.7 oz.

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Exploring Innovative Number Formats for AI Efficiency

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23 February 2026

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AI has driven an explosion of new number formats—the ways in which numbers are represented digitally. Engineers are looking at every possible way to save computation time and energy, including shortening the number of bits used to represent data. But what works for AI doesn’t necessarily work for scientific computing, be it for computational physics, biology, fluid dynamics, or engineering simulations. IEEE Spectrum spoke with Laslo Hunhold, who recently joined Barcelona-based Openchip as an AI engineer, about his efforts to develop a bespoke number format for scientific computing.

LASLO HUNHOLD

Laslo Hunhold is a senior AI accelerator engineer at Barcelona-based startup Openchip. He recently completed a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Cologne, in Germany.

What makes number formats interesting to you?

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Laslo Hunhold: I don’t know another example of a field that so few are interested in but has such a high impact. If you make a number format that’s 10 percent more [energy] efficient, it can translate to all applications being 10 percent more efficient, and you can save a lot of energy.

Why are there so many new number formats?

Hunhold: For decades, computer users had it really easy. They could just buy new systems every few years, and they would have performance benefits for free. But this hasn’t been the case for the last 10 years. In computers, you have a certain number of bits used to represent a single number, and for years the default was 64 bits. And for AI, companies noticed that they don’t need 64 bits for each number. So they had a strong incentive to go down to 16, 8, or even 2 bits [to save energy]. The problem is, the dominating standard for representing numbers in 64 bits is not well designed for lower bit counts. So in the AI field, they came up with new formats which are more tailored toward AI.

Why does AI need different number formats than scientific computing?

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Hunhold: Scientific computing needs high dynamic range: You need very large numbers, or very small numbers, and very high accuracy in both cases. The 64-bit standard has an excessive dynamic range, and it is many more bits than you need most of the time. It’s different with AI. The numbers usually follow a specific distribution, and you don’t need as much accuracy.

What makes a number format “good”?

Hunhold: You have infinite numbers but only finite bit representations. So you need to decide how you assign numbers. The most important part is to represent numbers that you’re actually going to use. Because if you represent a number that you don’t use, you’ve wasted a representation. The simplest thing to look at is the dynamic range. The next is distribution: How do you assign your bits to certain values? Do you have a uniform distribution, or something else? There are infinite possibilities.

What motivated you to introduce the takum number format?

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Hunhold: Takums are based on posits. In posits, the numbers that get used more frequently can be represented with more density. But posits don’t work for scientific computing, and this is a huge issue. They have a high density for [numbers close to one], which is great for AI, but the density falls off sharply once you look at larger or smaller values. People have been proposing dozens of number formats in the last few years, but takums are the only number format that’s actually tailored for scientific computing. I found the dynamic range of values you use in scientific computations, if you look at all the fields, and designed takums such that when you take away bits, you don’t reduce that dynamic range

This article appears in the March 2026 print issue as “Laslo Hunhold.”

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Which Luxury Brand Has Lower Maintenance Costs?

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23 February 2026

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Purchasing a new car is hardly an easy task, even if you’re shopping in the more budget-friendly quarters of the market. But the process can no doubt be even more daunting for folks shopping in the luxury vehicle category, as there tends to be more money at stake up front. If you are eyeing a new ride in that corner of the market, there’s a likelihood that vehicles from BMW and Toyota’s luxury shingle, Lexus, are on your radar. 

Those vaunted auto brands have essentially become permanent fixtures on yearly lists, amassing the best-selling luxury brands. If you’ve been comparing those automotive brands yourself, you likely noticed that, at least at the point of purchase, BMW models will likely cost you a few more Benjamins than their Lexus counterparts. But in the luxury automobile sector, maintenance should also factor heavily in your decision-making process, as it can be expensive to keep those vehicles looking and running the way any owner would expect from a high-priced ride.

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It can, however, be difficult to properly determine maintenance costs on your own. As such, consumer ratings factions like Consumer Reports (CR) can be invaluable in helping you crunch the numbers. And according to CR, in the long run, the estimated cost of maintaining a BMW may be considerably more than that of a Lexus. For the record, several other factions — including SoFi and CarEdge — also rank Lexus well ahead of BMW in this category, even as there may be more to the numbers to consider.

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The maintenance numbers are tricky between Lexus and BMW

Given Lexus’s ties to the Toyota brand, it’s not entirely shocking that the brand is cheaper to maintain. Save for a few recent issues, Toyota is well-known in the automobile arena for reliable vehicles that don’t cost much to properly maintain. To that end, both SoFi and CarEdge rank Lexus as one of the best luxury options on the market in terms of maintenance costs.

Though numbers vary, Consumer Reports estimates tell the same story. But the numbers aren’t as cut and dry as you might think. In fact, per CR’s estimates, over the first five years of ownership, a Lexus might cost more to properly maintain at a potential cost of $1,800 to BMW’s $1,700. It’s in years six through 10 that things shift dramatically, however, with CR estimating it may cost $9,300 to maintain a BMW and $5,600 for a Lexus. Consumer Reports’ 10-year estimates break down to $11,000 for BMW and $7,400 for Lexus. While the other noted survey factions claim that cost could run closer to $16,000 or more for the German brand, the overall Lexus numbers are more in-line CR’s estimate.

There is one caveat to consider regarding these numbers, in that CR reportedly only accounts for costs that are paid directly by the vehicle’s owner, effectively ignoring services covered by the manufacturer in complimentary maintenance plans. That may account for variances in the cited estimates. And with new BMWs getting three years of complimentary service from the manufacturer in comparison to Lexus’s one-year plan, the overall numbers could see a notable shift. 

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How To Properly Wash A Microfiber Cloth After Cleaning Your Car

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23 February 2026

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Several microfiber cloths in different colors sitting inside the metal drum of a dryer
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Microfiber cloths are an eco-friendly and versatile cleaning tool that many of us keep around the house. They serve a multitude of purposes, from wiping down your countertops and polishing your eyeglasses to cleaning your electronics and detailing your car. They’re a great choice when you want to polish a surface without scratching it, and many people use them to hand wash their cars. But what’s the best way to clean them after you use them, or even after they’ve simply hit the ground?

Microfiber cloths, as the name implies, are made up countless synthetic fibers that carry an electrostatic charge. It’s this charge that attracts dirt so well; maintaining that charge means washing them in ways that don’t limit the cloth’s abilities. Thankfully, you don’t need to wash those microfiber cloths by hand — your washing machine will do the job. However, if the microfiber towels are extremely dirty, you may want to give them a rinse in the sink beforehand. That being said, you should wash them on their own and not with other clothing or towels, especially anything that’s cotton or wool, as this can make it harder for all those synthetic fibers to keep attracting dust and dirt.

Once you toss those microfiber cloths safely into the washing machine, set the water to warm, which will help loosen the dirt and clean them more thoroughly. Use gentle detergent and avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which can also damage the fibers. Stick to the gentle or normal cycle to minimize wear and tear caused by heavy agitation. If you want to ensure that the cloths are clean, you can add an extra rinse to the cycle. Once the microfiber cloths come out of the washer, you can either allow them to air dry or throw them in the dryer on low heat. Once they’re clean and dry, they should be ready for another round!

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How and why to use microfiber to clean your car


A woman in a black top cleaning a black vehicle with a microfiber cloth.
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Visit the car detailing aisle at your local big box store and you’ll be greeted with a multitude of sponges, washing mittens, and towels. However, the pros often choose microfiber because it’s both soft and dense, and all those small fibers it’s made of easily pick up tiny dirt particles without being abrasive. They’re also very absorbent and don’t tend to leave behind streaks or lint, making them a better choice for washing your vehicle than sponges or an old rag. They’re also cost-effective, as you can use them again and again as long as you clean them properly.

To avoid cross-contamination and the potential for scratches, use a separate microfiber cloth for each section of your car when you wash it, including the tires, the body, and the windows. Glass-specific microfiber cloths for your windshield can be particularly helpful in keeping it free of streaks. Never use the cloth on dry paint; always rinse your vehicle first to remove loose dirt and reduce the risk of scratches. You may want to use one bucket for soapy water and another with clean water to rinse the cloth as you wash. Instead of using a circular motion, wipe in straight lines when using a microfiber cloth, as this helps reduce any marks that may be left over when you’re done.

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To dry your vehicle, use another clean cloth. Instead of wiping, gently pat with the cloth, which again will help you avoid scratches, smudges, and streaks. Finally, never reuse a microfiber cloth without washing them — even if they look clean, dirt trapped in the cloth may lead to scratched paint the next time around.



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I spent a day at an elite hi-fi show to pick out 6 affordable speakers and hi-res players even I’d buy, so maybe you can too

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23 February 2026

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I saw some of the best stereo speakers while wearing my boots down at Bristol Hi-Fi Show between February 20-22, and I wrote a whole listicle on some of the premium audio gadgets which will absolutely shatter your bank account.

But at the annual show, I also saw a decent amount of kit that wasn’t so wallet-shredding. I enjoyed listening to plenty of headphones and speakers which you and I could even end up buying — I mean, if my landlady decided I could be exempt from rent for a month or two.

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The “dumb” TV pivot: why your next screen shouldn’t be smart

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23 February 2026

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Modern smart TVs have a fatal flaw: the software ages significantly faster than the hardware. A beautiful 4K panel can easily last a decade, but the built-in operating system will become a laggy, ad-filled, bloated mess within three years. Add in the privacy concerns of viewing data collection and unskippable interface ads, and it is easy to see why tech enthusiasts are pivoting back to “dumb” screens.

The new power-user move is to buy a display that does nothing but show a picture, and pair it with a dedicated, high-power streaming box (like an Apple TV 4K or Nvidia Shield) that you can easily replace when it inevitably gets slow.

Here are the best ways to get a high-quality “dumb” screen in 2026.

The quick list

Samsung — 65” 4K BEFX-H Business Pro TV

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Computer Hardware, Electronics, Hardware
Image used with permission by copyright holder

You don’t have to be a business owner to buy a commercial display. Screens like the Samsung Business Pro series are designed to be mounted in sports bars or menu boards, meaning they are engineered to run 16 hours a day without failing. They offer crisp 4K UHD resolution and high dynamic range, but lack the consumer-facing bloatware and complex smart menus.

  • Price: $648.00 (Discounted from $720.00)
  • Why it works: It is a heavy-duty, reliable panel that exists simply to take an HDMI input and display it brightly.

Sceptre — 50-inch 4K UHD LED TV (U515CV-U)

Computer Hardware, Electronics, Hardware
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sceptre is one of the last brands actively producing true, non-smart TVs for the consumer market. There is no Ethernet port, no Wi-Fi antenna, and no user agreements to sign when you turn it on. It is an incredibly affordable, barebones LED panel with multiple HDMI ports that just works right out of the box.

  • Price: $232.07
  • Why it works: It isn’t going to win any awards for HDR brightness, but if you just want a reliable 4K screen for a guest room or garage that will never ask you to perform a software update, this is the one.

Sony — 77″ Class BRAVIA XR A95L OLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2023)

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You can’t buy a flagship, top-tier consumer TV that doesn’t have a smart OS baked in. However, you can bypass it. The Sony A95L is arguably the best-looking TV on the market. Because it runs on the Google TV platform, you are given a choice during the initial setup: “Google TV” or “Basic TV.” Choosing Basic Mode strips away all the smart features, apps, and internet connectivity, turning this masterpiece into a glorious, high-end input switcher.

  • Price: $4,499.99 (Discounted from $4999.99)
  • Why it works: You get the absolute pinnacle of current television technology (QD-OLED, unmatched color accuracy) without the privacy invasions or home screen advertisements.

The bottom line

If you want to keep costs low and avoid the internet entirely, the Sceptre 50-inch is the most straightforward option. If you want longevity and commercial-grade reliability, the Samsung Pro TV is a brilliant workaround. But if you want a true cinematic experience without the smart-TV lag, the Sony Bravia XR A95L OLED (running in Basic Mode) is the ultimate 2026 living room setup.

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MIT's new 3D printer can create a working electric motor in one build

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23 February 2026

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The team, based at MIT’s Microsystems Technology Laboratories, demonstrated the system by printing an electric linear motor – the type that generates straight-line motion instead of spinning a shaft.
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You will need skills beyond engineering, says controls engineer

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Michael Cawley discusses the crucial and unexpected skills he applies in his day-to-day role at Abbott.

A controls engineer at pharmaceutical Abbott, Michael Cawley, who is based in Donegal, works on the production of FreeStyle Libre continuous monitors.

“A device I also use myself as I have T1 diabetes,” Cawley told SiliconRepublic.com. “I enjoy solving problems and helping improve the technology that supports people living with diabetes.”

If there is such a thing, can you describe a typical day on the job?

My day usually starts at 8am on-site in Abbott’s Diabetes Care division in Donegal, where I work in the Sensor Print Line department as a controls engineer. This is the first step in the process that produces sensors that are vital for diabetes care, so keeping the line running smoothly is critical. At 8:15am, we have a short but focused engineering and operations meeting where we align on priorities and assign tasks. It’s a great way to keep everyone on the same page and ensure critical actions are tackled first.

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From there, no two days are the same. I might be troubleshooting equipment, programming PLCs, fine-tuning vision or motor control systems for IQA qualifications, or collaborating on process improvements. Managing workload is a balance of structured planning and reactive problem-solving. I keep a prioritised task list and stay flexible for unexpected issues. The ultimate goal? Keep the line running smoothly and safely while driving continuous improvement, because every sensor we produce plays a role in improving lives.

What types of projects do you work on?

I work on a variety of projects, from troubleshooting to optimising existing systems to commissioning new production lines. We’re also implementing new approaches to accommodate upcoming products, which adds an exciting layer of innovation. Working alongside experienced controls engineering colleagues and addressing day-to-day issues has developed my experience. These projects are critical because they help guarantee the required supply of devices that make a real difference to diabetes care worldwide.

What skills do you use on a daily basis?

Every day, I rely on a mix of technical and soft skills. On the technical side, PLC programming, motor control, and vision system configuration are core to my work. I also use diagnostic tools like JMP to monitor performance and troubleshoot issues quickly. Beyond that, problem-solving and adaptability are essential because production environments can change in an instant. My previous experience in multiple roles – as an operator, process lead, and validation engineer – has been invaluable. It gave me a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and team dynamics, which I draw on regularly.

What surprised me most was how much I’d need skills beyond engineering. Project management, stakeholder communication, and balancing priorities under pressure have become part of my day-to-day. I also didn’t expect to spend so much time analysing data, but this is a crucial skill for driving improvements and ensuring alignment across teams.

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What are the hardest parts of your working day and how do you navigate them? 

Debugging a PLC program or analysing data in JMP requires focus, but unexpected issues on the line can come up at any moment and need immediate attention. Switching between structured tasks and reactive problem-solving can be demanding. To manage this, I block time for critical work where possible. Another challenge is maintaining concentration during commissioning phases, which often involve long hours and tight deadlines. Clear communication with the team and setting realistic expectations helps keep things on track.

Do you have any productivity tips that help you through the day?

One of my biggest productivity tips is to document everything in OneNote. In controls engineering, there are multiple types of coding which means you may be tracking issues over several software platforms. Good documentation is essential as it provides clear information to colleagues who may need to work on the same issues later. For data analysis and troubleshooting, I rely on JMP to quickly identify trends and root causes, which speeds up decision-making. Another tip is to block time for deep work when possible, especially during programming or diagnostics, so I can maintain focus and deliver high quality results.

What skills and tools are you using to communicate daily with your colleagues? 

Most of my communication happens through Microsoft Teams for quick updates, video calls and coordinating tasks. For formal updates, including communication with vendors, email is still widely used. Face-to-face communication on the production floor is also vital, you can solve problems faster and make sure you have strong alignment between engineering and operations teams. One of the most important communication skills in my role is explaining complex controls issues or software updates to colleagues who may not have a technical background. I focus on breaking down the information clearly and concisely without sounding condescending. This helps maintain trust and ensures everyone understands the impact of changes on production and quality.

How has this role changed as this sector has grown and evolved?

I’ve only been in this role for three years, so I haven’t seen all the long-term changes as I’m still gaining experience. However, it’s clear how quickly hardware and software versions change with advances in technology. Even in a short time, I’ve seen components and platforms needing updates to keep up with new standards and features.

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What do you enjoy most about the job?

I love problem solving. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in diagnosing or resolving an issue, implementing a solution, and seeing the production line run smoothly again. I also enjoy the variety and complexity of the work. As a user of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor we manufacture in Donegal, knowing that the systems I help to maintain contribute to producing devices that improve the lives of people with diabetes, makes my job even more meaningful.

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The fantastic Suri 2.0 Sonic Electric Toothbrush has crashed to its lowest price since Black Friday

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23 February 2026

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I’ve used budget-friendly Oral-B and Philips electric toothbrushes for a few years now, but thanks to a deal I’ve just spotted, I’m tempted to make an upgrade. It’s for the highly rated Suri 2.0 Sonic Electric Toothbrush, which is now on sale at Amazon for £89.10 (was £104.99).

The generous 15 per cent discount brings the latest version of the sonic toothbrush down to the lowest price we’ve seen since Black Friday. With no major sales on the horizon, I think this is the best deal that we’ll see for a while.

Suri 2.0 Sonic Toothbrush review, we described the toothbrush as “sustainability and performance at its absolute best.” Building on version 1.0, the latest model “combines all the eco-friendly design features of its predecessor while adding in more premium upgrades.”

We’re big fans of the upgraded pressure sensor that delivers a better, more efficient, and safer clean. Suri has also improved the UV travel case, which is now battery-powered for ultimate portability.

The Suri toothbrush is also known for its sustainability credentials. “It uses recycled materials in construction, the heads are plant-based and can be recycled – for free by Suri in some countries – and it’s made to last.” That means you’re getting a high-performing toothbrush while being friendly to our planet.

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If this excellent deal doesn’t tickle your fancy, then check out our guide to the best electric toothbrushes. We’ve included options to cover all types of budgets and feature preferences.

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