business big interview matters
December august/september december/january 2021/January june/july2022 2019 2018 business edge
SI Protech claims world first with Chill-Can® If you’ve seen the classic Boddingtons beer advert, you’ll remember the big selling point was the creamy draught-style head on the pint, prompting Melanie Sykes to quip, ‘Do you want a flake in that, love?’ Well, the widget responsible for this groundbreaking technology was invented by Mark Sillince, who went on to establish Sussex firm SI Protech. His creative influence is still key to the company’s pioneering R&D today … fancy a self-chill drink anyone? With a 21-year history of developing and producing innovative high-spec injection mouldings and assemblies, SI Protech (UK) Ltd is renowned as a world leader in manufacturing and packaging solutions, particularly for the beverages industry. Now, the company can claim a world first with the Chill-Can®; they are also immensely proud of their new improved 5 litre keg with self-regulating internal pressure system. Mark was the inventor of the original beer can widget for Boddingtons – a significant packaging revolution in the beverage sector – and innovation has been at the heart of SI Protech ever since he set up as sole trader in 1998. At first specialising in design and prototypes, the company swiftly moved into production engineering and manufacturing. While focus remains on innovation, service and six sigma quality, SI Protech’s capabilities, market access and innovation /IP strategy were further enhanced in 2016, when the majority shareholding was acquired by US investor and owner of Joseph Company International (JCI), Mitchell Joseph. Today, it specialises in manufacturing quality solutions, particularly for the drinks market, but also the automotive, pharmaceutical and personnel sectors. The pandemic and environmental concerns both spurred on the launch of the keg and Chill-Can®. Managing director Alan Edmonds explained: “Lockdown accelerated changes in consumer habits. Ice-cold cocktails and coffees have become hugely popular and manufacturers are always looking for new ways to tap into the market and refine the discerning consumer experience, particularly when socialising at home. “With our Chill-Can® system, you simply twist the base for instant chill, while the keg can be activated, used and stored in
the fridge for over a month, with no loss of quality, flavour or carbonation.” Alan added: “In recent years, the structure of SI Protech has changed significantly. With majority share ownership now sitting with Mitchell Joseph – our Non-Executive Chairman – a different managing director in place, plus patents pending on some exciting new product developments, SI Protech has a strong, committed direction for the future. “However, our positive company culture has remained the same since inception. Stability is something we are proud of, having worked hard to find the balance between creativity and business efficiency and effectiveness. “It’s a great culture; one supported by technology but also the desire for best practice driven by a great management team and world-class customers.” New and
“With our Chill-Can® system, you simply twist the base for instant chill, while the keg can be activated, used and stored in the fridge for over a month, with no loss of quality, flavour or carbonation.”
existing staff are offered extensive training via engineering degree apprenticeships, engineering craft, technician and other skills upgrades, and there is a profit-sharing scheme. “Creating an inspired, friendly, motivated culture is our main aim.” Annually, the company produces over 85 million components and assemblies, with exports accounting for 75% of business across Europe and the world. Alan said: “We’ve built global trust with every client and project because of our quality assurance. SI Protech is ISO 9001 certified for quality across all areas, ISO 14001 certified for its environmental standards and also ISO 22000 – the international standard for food packaging hygiene, safety and security.” SI Protech invests around 10% of annual turnover in R&D and filing its own IP. Alan continued: “Substantial investment in automation and our people has played a vital part in SI Protech’s 66% growth over the last five years. “Investment is driving our future, with plans for 50% of turnover coming from our own IP by 2024. Willingness to embrace change and a desire to extend into new sectors and businesses has allowed for excellent organic growth, particularly as the company enters a new exciting era.” More details at siprotech.co.uk
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www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk
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