Business Enquirer Issue 109 | Tri-Wall | Jan'23

Just Around the Corner, all Around the World

TriWall UK

Tri-Wall Just Around the Corner, all Around the World

Too often deemed a second thought in a product’s journey, packaging and delivery can mean make or break (quite literally) for goods. In 2020 it was reported that, for the average retailer, total returns due to items that couldn’t be resold or had to be discounted cost businesses 4.4% in lost revenue.

Tri-Wall is one of the world’s leading multi-material packaging manufacturers, offering bespoke products which consistently outperform like-for-like competitors.

The business is on a mission to revolutionise the packaging industry. CEO to its UK and Ireland operations, Gavin Peters, spoke exclusively to Business Enquirer about the ground-breaking business.

International Reach, Local Specialisms

Owned by multi-billion pound Japanese manufacturing business, Rengo, Tri-Wall operates a truly global business, with connected teams across 170 countries.

Despite its international footprint, uniquely local service is crucial to its success. In the UK, Tri-Wall has six business units (across the North East, Manchester, Chesterfield,

Tri-Wall

West Midlands, Monmouth and Swansea) each with its own specialism, including a heavyduty corrugator based in Monmouth and a kiln for timber heat treatment and moisture reduction in the North East.

“The key to Tri-Wall is that we’re not simply a packaging supplier. We are a completely bespoke packaging solutions provider,” explained Gavin, “despite our sites having their own specialisms, we are incredibly well integrated, so wherever our client is we can offer them an outstanding customer experience”.

Tri-Wall’s specialisms also include the expertise to design and test packaging for country specific conditions and a worldwide follow-up system to give a comprehensive test report on how the products arrive damage free.

Work Smart

Tri-Wall started out primarily producing packaging for the automotive industry, but over time has expanded into a diverse range of sectors with newsworthy and influential projects. This includes manufacturing packaging for engineering, food and pharmaceutical sectors using materials such as timber, heavy-duty corrugated, conventional corrugated, metal and plastic.

“It was an honour to be able to make a positive contribution during the Covid-19 pandemic when we developed temperature-controlled packaging for vaccines alongside Softbox Systems,” Gavin shared.

Tri-Wall is experienced in developing packaging to support the moving times, supplying the likes of tier one OEMs in the delivery of hybrid and electric vehicle components.

“There is a challenge and an opportunity to be found in this sector,” explained Gavin, “in the coming years there will be more demand for transporting e-mobility parts and products,

Tri-Wall

but more standards need to be put in place for safer transport. Currently, Tri-Wall has a full range of packaging tested with the HSE for safe transport of these items”. This includes TriWall’s fire-retardant corrugated packaging.

As part of the business’ development plan, Gavin and his team are developing what is described as a “blueprinting” system. This will allow Tri-Wall UK to have a set of perfected practices and processes which will help to streamline the business and improve outputs for clients.

“I learnt the phrase from a previous manager - to “only do your homework once”. It’s a case of the business learning to work smarter, not harder, to achieve the best outcomes for the business and the customers, whilst focusing on the deliverable of being agile and personalising services for clients,” said Gavin.

A Revolutionary Approach

Guided by its mother-company, Rengo, TriWall UK forms part of a business-wide strategy to achieve net-zero by 2050

As part of this mission, Rengo has globally reduced its carbon footprint by 26% against its 2013 baseline, with plans to double this to 46% by 2030.

Tri-Wall UK will be focusing on bringing a “truly sustainable” corrugated packaging product to the market.

“We are currently undertaking R & D into many strands of the business, including modernising processes and techniques. Ultimately, we aim to be leaders in revolutionising the industry,” explained Gavin.

Tri-Wall

Gavin also hopes to build a knowledge base from this process, which will provide an education point for customers. “Helping customers along the journey is important and education and knowledge sharing is a vital part of this,” said Gavin

Shaping the Business

Since Gavin took on the role of CEO for TriWall UK in 2016, the business has more than tripled in employee size (from 100 to 350), and has considerably increased its annual turnover, to the tune of £64 million.

As part of the business growth strategy, there is a planned investment in the region of £80 million up until 2030.

Forming part of the strategy is the planned acquisition of companies in the packaging space, enabling Tri-Wall to grow its geographical footprint, enhance and diversify its product range and provide even greater support to its customers.

“Where acquisitions don’t fit our plans, we will also look to develop greenfield opportunities for our growth strategy,” shared Gavin.

Key to building a strong business is fortifying the existing workforce, some of which have served the business for more than 50 years. As part of Gavin’s tenure, he has focussed on building a clear culture of integrity, knowledge, growth, and a progressive nature, from within.

“The people of our business are more important than anything. That is, in part, shaped by our wider leadership from Yuji Suzuki, who built the business from scratch and has given autonomy to the regions to grow and develop its people.” Gavin explained, “You can train most skills, but you can’t train character”.

Gavin shared that Tri-Wall is undergoing an exciting time, with the creation of training plans and internal personnel growth strategies

Tri-Wall

which means promoting from within, something Gavin understands well from his own experience.

Having started in the business in 2001 as a trainee designer, Gavin has taken on many roles at the site in Monmouth including Design Manager, working within testing, sales, technical and marketing, and finally CEO for UK and Ireland (via a hiatus).

“I think it’s important that all of our colleagues get an understanding of the business starting from the factory floor and the products we make” he said, “it’s important that we have a passion for what we do and for finding solutions for our customers”.

Government Action is Crucial

Tri-Wall is in a powerful position in the

packaging sphere, offering unmatched product quality and customer service. Where the challenge lies now, is government action.

“We’re coming up against a few challenges at the moment. One is the instability faced across sectors from the government, market prices and inflation. We look forward to welcoming some stability. We also need to see governments take action, particularly in the UK, regarding solid, long term business strategy and refinement in the regulations of safe transport of batteries,” shared Gavin.

Of course, with challenge comes opportunity, and Tri-Wall is well equipped to meet the e-mobility market head on with its unique offering of multi-material packaging solutions. www.tri-wall.com

Innovative and verstaile packaging and material handling solutions

Our capabilities ensure high-performance protective packaging and cost-effective design options, which is achieved by employing our knowledge and expertise to produce products that exceed expectations.

Our solutions use many different materials and utilise a range of diverse manufacturing processes, such that we can manufacture an array of products to produce a range of solutions.

We’re working with a diverse customer base, how can we help you? Tel: +44 1978 661671 email: sales@ips-uk.co.uk www.ips-uk.co.uk

Tri-Wall

www.tri-wall.com

info@busenq.com www.busenq.com