Moving forward together Tristone

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

Tristone Flowtech Group, a major global Tier-1 supplier and development partner for engine and battery cooling and air charge applications for the automotive industry, has emerged from the challenging pandemic years unscathed, with sustained supply chain stability and improved financial performance.

Despite significant volatility and headwinds in the global automotive market over the last two years, Tristone Flowtech Group, a specialist in research, development, production and sales of rubber and plastic products for the automotive industry, increased global turnover by nearly 10% in 2021, heading for a new record in sales revenue.

Furthermore, and according to Tristone´s overall market and product strategy, 77% of the total new business awards received in 2021 were in the battery cooling product family, clearly materialising its alignment with the market and the OEM´s continued strive to promote sustainability by reducing emissions.

“After a very turbulent 2021 with substantial challenges coming from the tensions in the raw material markets, major volatility in incoming orders from some of our customers, and the continuing impact of the global pandemic, Tristone has managed to maintain supply chain stability in all regions and sustain positive earnings before tax, based on our unaudited 2021 financials,” said Ignacio Salazar, President & CEO of Tristone Group.

“A solid and healthy distribution of our customer base and product offering has been key for Tristone to keep our growth and stability during the difficult 2021. Our market positioning with the right products in vehicle electrification has clearly supported our growth and results.”

Ahead of trends

Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, and part of the Chinese Zhongding Group since 2017, Tristone is one of the leading automotive supplier groups worldwide for fluid applications in battery cooling, engine cooling, as well as turbochargers, with manufacturing and development locations in China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Slovakia, Spain and Turkey.

The Group significantly strengthened its position in 2020 by acquiring its second plant in China – Anhui Zhongding Rubber Hose Products Co. Ltd., Ningguo – focusing mainly on engine and battery cooling hoses as well as air charge hoses supplied to local Chinese OEMs. The acquisition broadened the product portfolio, and made Tristone a full system supplier and design partner to its global OEM customers in China as well as local Chinese OEMs.

On a global scale, Tristone is the benchmark when it comes to tailor-made fluid solutions. With its broad portfolio of innovative technology, Tristone offers complete and integrated flow technology solutions with high added value.

Its engine and battery cooling systems are state-of-the-art technology, made to provide customers with maximum reliability, weight and cost reductions. In the field of air charge, Tristone has come up with innovative technologies, applying a unique mix of smart thinking with a wide range of materials, which are specifically demanded for the fields of noise absorption, high tech-materials and in meeting the ever-increasing Euro VI requirements.

Joined forces

In today’s fast-evolving marketplace, Tristone is clearly benefiting from the trend towards a reduction in space and fuel consumption with the introduction of polyamide materials as well as the introduction of new powertrain concepts with hybrid and electrical cars and the integration of fluid motor and battery cooling systems.

Commenting on last year’s excellent performance, Ignacio Salazar said: “We´re very thankful to our customers, allowing us to maintain our growth even in these difficult times and acting as real partners with us. Without their trust in our company, we would not be able to reach our targets. Being a full design partner to the OEMs allows us to provide the necessary added value and helps us to promote new products and technologies linked to the very fast progress in vehicle electrification.”

Similarly, support from the supply chain has been equally invaluable, and building strong and lasting partnerships is a key element of future business growth. “Any product is only as good as its components. Material, structural, technical components as well as the thinking behind those.”

“At Tristone, we see our supply partners as catalysts, generators and motivators behind our own work. When developing a new product or refining our existing range, they often are sparring partners, accompanying us while building our common future goals and clearly defined communication and technical strategies; it is then far easier to maintain the highest level of quality standards.”

As the company states, the outlook for 2022 remains positive. Tristone Group is expecting steep year-on-year sales growth of 19% in 2022, with revenues forecast at more than €420 million. This growth will be driven by ongoing start-ups in China, Europe, North America, and India, including new products and applications with new patented technology, confirming the company as a market leader in its sector. n