Meet Stuart - Senior Laboratory Engineer at Woods Air Movement
Stuart Jacobs: From apprentice to expert in 40-year journey at Woods Air Movement
At Woods Air Movement, part of FläktGroup, long service is about far more than time — it’s about people, shared experiences, and a deep-rooted commitment to the business. Among this year’s long service milestones, Stuart Jacobs stands out as a remarkable example, celebrating an extraordinary 40 years with Woods.
Stuart’s journey began with an apprenticeship — a role he initially saw as just the starting point of a broader career. Like many in their early working lives, he imagined he would move on, explore different opportunities, and try new paths. Four decades later, he is still with Woods Air Movement, a testament to the support, opportunities, and culture that encouraged him to stay and grow.
Now a Senior Laboratory Engineer in the development lab, Stuart is firmly rooted in a role that reflects his lifelong passion for engineering. Having joined the development lab in 2019, he found a natural fit for his curiosity and problem-solving mindset. “Engineering has always been my passion,” he explains — a drive shaped by wanting to understand how things work and how they can be improved.
Fantastic opportunities and valuable insight
Stuart’s career path has been diverse. He has worked in both sales and sourcing, roles that took him across the globe. From visiting suppliers to working directly with customers, he travelled extensively to almost 30 different countries, including trips to China and Brazil - experiences he recognises as opportunities he may not otherwise have had. These years provided valuable insight into both customer needs and the wider industry, shaping the practical approach he brings to his work today.
In his current position, Stuart plays a key role in developing products and components, working closely with engineering teams and engaging directly with customers. The development lab is not just a technical environment — it’s also a space where innovation is brought to life. Customers often visit to witness testing in real-time, and Stuart’s ability to bridge technical expertise with clear communication is an important part of that experience.
The lab team itself reflects the strength of Woods’ culture. With six colleagues spanning decades of experience and newer apprentices just starting their careers, Stuart is proud to contribute as a mentor. Sharing knowledge and helping others develop is something he values highly. With over 100 years of combined experience within the lab, the team embodies the continuity and collaboration that underpin the business.
Beyond his technical role, Stuart is also actively involved in the wider Woods community. As a first aider at the Colchester site and a trustee of the sports & social club, he’s always keen to connect with colleagues across the business — especially important in a role that can sometimes be more isolated.
Seeing the business develop and grow over the years
Looking back, Stuart has witnessed significant change during his time at Woods — from shifts in leadership, with different CEOs and ownership structures, to the continued evolution of the business itself. Yet through it all, his enthusiasm remains strong. Today, he’s particularly interested in what the future holds under Samsung’s ownership, and how the business will continue to grow and innovate.
After 40 years, Stuart’s message is simple: engineering is a vital and rewarding career, driven by curiosity and the desire to improve things. It’s a mindset that has guided him throughout his career — taking things apart, understanding them, and often putting them back together in a better way.
Most importantly, he reflects on his time at Woods with genuine satisfaction:
“I’m very happy here.”
Stuart Jacobs’ story is just one of many, but it perfectly captures what long service at Woods Air Movement truly represents — dedication, growth, and a lasting connection to people and purpose.