BUSINESS-WIDE GROWTH FOR BRITISH BASED TOOL SUPPLIER IN 2024
BUSINESS-WIDE GROWTH FOR BRITISH BASED TOOL SUPPLIER IN 2024
DWAITE
DRAPER TOOLS PROJECT DIRECTED BY: JAMIE
In 2024, Draper Tools continues to thrive as a prominent player in the tool supply industry, demonstrating remarkable growth and innovation. The DIY market remains a key driver for the UK economy, with home improvement and maintenance projects fueling steady demand for quality tools.
raper Tools, which supplies around 11,000 products worldwide to traditional trade stores, has seen substantial growth across both e-commerce and traditional retail channels. CEO Matt Sheen, who took on the role at the start of 2023, emphasized the importance of balancing online and in-store presence. "We have seen significant growth in our e-commerce sector as well as continued strong performance in traditional trade stores, which remain crucial to our business model," Sheen explained.
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DRAPER TOOLS MANUFACTURING
Draper Tools' extensive product range includes renowned trade brands such as Elora, XP1000, Knipex, and Bunker, along with Draper Tools’ own lines. “Draper is our core range of quality tools, suitable for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Draper Expert is our range specifically designed to meet the demands of trade professionals,” shared Matt.
The business, established in 1919 and now in its fourth generation of family ownership, has demonstrated resilience and adaptability over the years. Its sustained financial growth has supported comprehensive expansion plans.
Thousands of Products Under One New Roof
Headquartered in Southampton, UK, Draper Tools also has a warehouse and sales facility in the Netherlands and a facility in Shanghai, China.
As part of its future-proofing growth strategy, Draper Tools finalized its new, purpose-built warehouse in Southampton, which became fully operational in December 2023. The 350,000 square foot warehouse allows the business to increase its product capacity and enhance efficiency.
In a significant move towards operational excellence, Draper Tools has partnered with SSI Schaefer, a leading provider of warehousing and logistics solutions. This collaboration has enabled Draper Tools to implement state-of-the-art automation and inventory management systems. "Our partnership with SSI Schaefer has been instrumental in optimizing our supply chain and meeting the rising demand for next-day delivery," explained Matt. "The new warehouse, designed for 24/7 operations, provides us with the capacity to scale our business and improve service levels."
The facility features advanced automaticpicking systems to support efficiency and includes sustainable energysaving options such as a Solar PV system, enhancing the warehouse's self-sustainability. "Our sustainability credentials are always evolving, and we have invested in R&D to improve not only our own sustainability but also that of our customers," said Matt.
Draper Tools is also committed to reducing its environmental impact by removing plastic from its packaging and favoring recyclable materials. This initiative has resulted in a 20% reduction in plastic packaging, removing nearly 18 tonnes of plastic waste from what was sold in 2023.
Team Players
With the growth of the business's physical and online presence, Draper Tools has also seen an increase in staffing levels over the last two years. Now employing around 300 people worldwide, Matt highlighted a positive mix of the experienced ‘oldguard’, some of whom have been with the business for 35 years, along with new talent.
Matt Sheen, though relatively new as CEO, is not a stranger to Draper Tools. He began his career at Draper Tools at 18 years old and later held significant roles at Metabo UK and Bosch Power Tools before returning to Draper Tools in early 2023.
As Draper Tools looks ahead to the future, its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability ensures its continued success and growth in the global market.
www.drapertools.com
