Best Companies | Wacoal Europe Company Profile

One size does not fit all is the belief of underwear maker Wacoal Europe. Its A-K cup brands include Fantasie, Freya, Elomi, b.tempt'd and Goddess.

Each has its own personality and position in the market. The company believes that every woman is different in terms of her size, shape, taste and how she feels.

The lingerie designer and maker, formerly known as Eveden, was founded in 1920. In the 1990s it decided to specialise in the large cup-size market and has continued to expand its ranges for the fuller figure. In 2012 it was acquired by Japanese company Wacoal Holdings, later becoming Wacoal Europe.

Wacoal Europe’s brands, which include swimwear in a range of cup sizes, are stocked by more than 5,000 retailers, including national and independent stores as well as online, in more than 30 countries.

It employs 465 people at its head office in Kettering, Northamptonshire. Wacoal Europe also has production centres and sales offices across the world.

The company believes in working with respect for each other, being flexible, and recruiting, developing and retaining the best people. Wacoal Europe’s partners and suppliers are also key to its business and the company works closely with them.

It aims to be an organisation where its people feel valued, engaged and empowered. The company develops people to realise their potential and who are proud to be part of Team Wacoal.

A spotlight on

Wacoal Europe

View the latest achievements

My Company

82% of staff agreed

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

Improving communication at every level has been on the company's agenda, after listening to staff feedback. Now, through its Bravo platform, staff have the chance to have their say. Daily catch-up meetings also take place take place with remote teams, and weekly departmental updates are published.

My Manager

72% of staff agreed

My manager regularly expresses their appreciation when I do a good job

The business offers management training courses for new and existing managers. There is also a leadership development scheme available to managers.

Giving Something Back

65% of staff agreed

My organisation encourages charitable activities

Wacoal supports local charitable initiatives and women's shelters. Redundant products are sent to Africa to support community projects that provide underwear to women who cannot afford it. The business has also introduced the use of recycled yarns in lingerie and swimwear ranges.

My Company

82% of staff agreed

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

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My Company

Best Practice

My Manager

82%

72% of staff agreed

My manager regularly expresses their appreciation when I do a good job

The business offers management training courses for new and existing managers. There is also a leadership development scheme available to managers.

See and search more examples
of

My Manager

Best Practice

Giving Something Back

96%

65% of staff agreed

My organisation encourages charitable activities

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of

Giving Something Back

Best Practice

Organisation established in

1920

Total number of UK employees

Number of UK locations

Employee average age

19% : 81%

Male : Female employee ratio

20%

Employees earning £35k+

10%

Employee turnover (voluntary)

Quote from the top...

Our employees are our company’s greatest asset – they are our competitive advantage. As a business we want to continue to attract and retain the best people; to create an environment where people can flourish and have meaning and recognition to the roles that we all play in creating a better Wacoal. It is a journey that we ALL mapped out in our “Vision of the Future” and the engagement survey is pivotal in helping us track the progress in creating our vision of a world class Wacoal.

Geoff Embley, CEO - Wacoal Europe

Long Service

Companies where at least 40% of the staff have worked there for more than five years.

Women in Senior Management

At least 40% of senior managers are women.

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