Value, versatility and trust Trim NW

VALUE,

VERSATILITY AND TRUST

Ricardo Fernandes, Rui Lopes, Rui Santos and Carlos Azevedo (left to right)

Active across Europe, Trim NW is a Portugal-based manufacturer of industrial nonwovens and moulded parts for the mobility market. Emma-Jane Batey spoke to sales manager Ricardo Fernandes to learn more about how the business is bringing its customer-focused approach to an ever-wider audience.

Presses to make moulded parts

Proudly versatile and resolutely customer-focused, Portugalbased nonwovens manufacturer Trim NW has absorbed more than five decades of experience thanks to its acquisition of the well-known Ipetex business.

A manufacturer of industrial nonwovens and moulded parts for the mobility market, Trim NW has specialised know-how and a fresh approach which, coupled with the vast experience of the Ipetex acquisition, is a powerful force. Sales manager Ricardo Fernandes told Industry Europe, “Perhaps the most important point to highlight is that Trim NW is totally customer focused – always has been, always will be. Everything we do is about total flexibility for the benefit of our customers, from our production capability to our sales service. We are dedicated to our customers’ satisfaction and I believe that is what has helped us to grow quickly and cleverly. We cherish our customers and the long term commercial relationships we have are very important to us. We do as much as we can to keep our customers happy.”

This clear dedication to customer happiness is reflected in every aspect of Trim NW’s operation. For example, in the ‘Quality Policy’ department, the teams are continually looking at ways to ensure the product portfolio is as forward-thinking as possible. Mr Fernandes explained, “We work on the basis of continual improvement. Our goal of always satisfying our customers’ needs and expectations is met through complying with all the legal requirements connected to our products’ activity, constant evaluation of our quality management system and always promoting an effective environmental policy through non-polluting practices.”

Continual improvement

The continual improvement from Trim NW is also evident in its clear communication with customers. By promising to always keep open and honest, the company ensures its customers know exactly what stage its projects are at and is kept in the loop regarding cost/benefit conditions for any developments. Mr Fernandes noted, “Our customers appreciate the clear communication we always deliver. They know exactly where they stand with us and can be assured that we do precisely what we say we’re going to do, when we say we’re going to do it – and for how much.”

For the industrial nonwovens offer, Trim NW delivers lightweight (between 17g/m2 and 75g/m2) products for a range of functions and applications, most specifically across the automotive sector. Its

General view of the nonwoven production line

Termoline products have high performance protective barriers and demoulding properties, but also a strong visual aspect. The Termoline range also provides excellent properties such as flame retardants, repellence, adhesive and resilience, thanks to the different types of finish and composition available. The Termoline range has been created to achieve a number of advantages for its automotive applications, with customers returning to Trim NW time and time again.

In terms of mobility market, the Trim NW portfolio of moulded parts includes many solutions, such as headliners, mat floors, pillars, parcel shelves, insulators and so on, that add value to both the comfort and design of the product. Mr Fernandes said, “We are a recognised partner for many European automotive brands, providing interior moulded components for development and production and various adaptable parts, all of which come with our famous versatility as standard.

But Trim NW’s moulding know-how goes way beyond the automotive industry. Its technology allows it to develop and produce moulded parts for other markets, such as furniture and filtration. In fact, one of the strategies of Trim NW is to expand its presence in these markets. Significant market share

As the leading European supplier of moulded components for small cars, Trim NW sees its products distributed practically everywhere in Europe. Mr Fernandes added, “We have significant market share across Europe and this is growing. We have been focusing on developing new products, not only for the moulded parts but also for nonwovens. Besides our major participation with Termoline in cotton felt and glass fibre insulators, we’ve developed a new range of lightweight thermalbonded products for the foam insulation parts.”

With plans to further expand into Europe, with the Czech Republic and Turkey already seeing a fresh Trim NW presence, the company expects to see its excellent results grow ever more impressive. Mr Fernandes concluded, “We have a very clear strategy for where we are heading. We will stay strong in markets where we are already strong and we will continue to grow in new markets – both in product sectors and geographically. The new facilities are soon to see expanded production, which will allow Trim NW to expand the range of products with heavier materials, and open new markets as well. It’s a very exciting time to be a Trim NW partner.” n

General view of the nonwoven production line