As our QC Chemist, Emma plays a key role in ensuring that every product meets our strict specifications before it leaves the lab. With a passion for problem-solving and a sharp eye for detail, she works alongside the team to uphold the highest standards in lubricant production.
In honour of International Women's Day, we sat down with Emma to discuss her role in quality control, the science behind our products, and her advice for women pursuing careers in STEM.
1. What’s one thing you do to ensure every product that leaves the lab meets the highest specification?
"Testing the product at the filling point is critical, ensuring the right product will be filled directly into the container and is within Aztec’s strict specification. My role is to ensure that before any product goes out the door, it comes through me first and is sampled, tested and examined thoroughly for quality control. You could say I'm sort of like passport control at the airport with a pass stamp! No stamp, no go!"
2. What’s your favourite part of working in the lab, and how do you ensure everything we make is top-quality?
"I enjoy being able to analyse, research and problem solve. Being a QC Chemist is like being a detective at times, putting all the evidence together to hypothesise. Monitoring our products going out involves data analysis and reacting on feedback internally and externally. Developing the filling lab has ensured that we are proactive and can identify any out of specification products before the product even gets filled. This has massively impacted our quality and ensured we have minimal contamination."
3. What’s something you’d want customers to know about the care and attention that goes into every product we create?
"When I talk about oil, I like to compare it to baking a cake—it’s all about using the best ingredients to get the perfect result, from texture to taste to presentation. Every product we create is carefully formulated to deliver the best lubrication for its specific application—because just like people, not everyone loves Battenberg!"
"At Aztec, our Technical Team, including our onsite Doctor and myself, is always looking for ways to improve, investing in the highest-quality ingredients to produce top-tier lubricants. And just as important as what goes in is where it comes from—we source our base oils with integrity, steering clear of the poor-quality, corrupted supply that circulates in the industry."
4. As a woman in science, what has been one of your proudest achievements so far?
"Being open to continuous learning is crucial for any Lab Technician. As I approach my ninth year here, I’ve achieved my Lubricant Analysis certification (LA1) from the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing—in just five days! I also completed a Team Leadership apprenticeship with The Source Academy, which allowed me to work closely with our Technical Director and other departments to establish the filling laboratory and make it fully operational to our needs. This investment has taken our quality practices to the next level."
5. What keeps you motivated in your work, especially when it comes to ensuring our products meet the highest standards?
"I like to look at it from an outsider’s perspective—if I were the customer receiving this product, would I be satisfied with its quality and performance? For me, it’s essential that we produce and distribute the highest-quality lubricants possible. The challenge of delivering quality, longevity, and sustainability is both motivating and inspiring, especially as we consider how the industry will evolve over the next 20 years. Hopefully Marty Mcfly (Back to the Future) will pay a visit!"
6. On International Women's Day, what’s your message to other women in the field or anyone pursuing their passion?
"Remember, women are like goddesses—we can literally create and birth life! If we can do that, we can achieve anything. So just believe in yourself; with the right determination, patience, and motivation, you can do it!"
