Filtrona is a leading international supplier of speciality plastic and fibre products with four operating divisions: Protection & Finishing Products, Porous Technologies, Coated & Security Products, and Filter Products.
Filtrona’s international network includes 3,800 employees, 32 principal manufacturing facilities, 62 sales and distribution operations and five research & development centres.
Filtrona focuses on the light manufacture and distribution of high volume, small but essential products to a wide range of customers, across diverse geographies within a broad but targeted range of international markets.
Filtrona’s strategic approach is to build on its core competencies and strong international positions through the investment in, and acquisition of, businesses which are engaged in the development and manufacture, sourcing and distribution of high volume, low unit cost, small but essential products for use in consumer, medical and industrial markets. The Company will seek to acquire in known markets which fall within the existing scope of, or are complementary to, the operations of existing businesses within the Group.
The identification and successful exploitations of markets which offer significant value addition and growth opportunities through product innovation, distribution, service and cost improvements are integral to the future development of Filtrona as the Company seeks to enhance the competitive position of its global businesses.
Filtrona's Divisions
Protection & Finishing Products
A global market leading supplier of protection and finishing products, manufacturing and distributing plastic injection moulded, dip moulded and metal items as well as pressure sensitive tapes. The division has 60 operating units in 21 countries serving a very broad base of customers with a rapid supply of primarily plastic products for protection and finishing applications in industries such as hydraulics, pneumatics, oil and gas, electrical controls, point of purchase and tubular metal products.
Porous Technologies
A global leading developer and manufacturer of custom fluid handling components, engineered from a portfolio of technologies that includes bonded fibre, polyurethane foam and porous plastics. Representing innovations used in healthcare consumer and industrial applications its enabling components are found in a wide range of products from medical diagnostics tests to advanced wound care pads, inkjet printer cartridges, writing instruments, and air fresheners. Customers in 56 countries are served from 4 manufacturing facilities with research and development centres supporting the division globally.
Coated & Security Products
The global market leading producer of high quality self-adhesive tear tape and a growing supplier of labels, products and technologies for the consumer packaging, identity and valuable document markets. Customers in over 100 countries are served from facilities operating in six countries. The division also includes plastic profile extrusion activities in The Netherlands.
Filter Products
The only global independent cigarette filter supplier. The nine worldwide locations, including a UK-based research facility and three regional development centres provide a flexible infrastructure strategically positioned to serve the cigarette industry. The division supplies a wide range of value adding high quality innovative filters, packaging solutions to roll your own segment and analytical laboratory services for ingredient measurement for the industry.
Filtrona's Business Strengths
Strong niche international market positions
Filtrona has secured leading market positions across the globe in many of its served markets, with key sources of differentiation provided by its investment in international infrastructure, technology, innovation and people. The strength of Filtrona businesses within their respective served markets has enabled the Group to deliver attractive margins over a sustained period.
Long-term, blue chip customer relationships
Filtrona has developed it business by maintaining a close relationship with a wide portfolio of blue chip customers who are successful leaders in their respective markets. The high standards of service and supply demanded by such customers have helped to drive continuous improvement across the Group. The Company’s manufacturing and distribution expertise add value in response to customer demands and its innovative capabilities drive the joint development of new products and services with key strategic partners.
Well invested global infrastructure
Filtrona has a well invested and flexible international production, sourcing and supply chain infrastructure. This ensures the delivery of cost competitive and high quality products in response to customers’ requirements and the levels of service and geographic reach provide an important competitive differentiator. The Company has effectively leveraged individual locations by offering businesses across the Group the opportunity to use the existing infrastructure and management to exploit new opportunities efficiently and cost effectively.
Experienced, stable management team
Filtrona has a highly experienced and well regarded management team that has established itself as one of the industry leaders in terms of operating performance and knowledge. The detailed knowledge of customer needs and market trends enables positive actions to drive performance and secures swift responses to changing priorities. Technical expertise is reflected in production and supply chain efficiencies and product innovation.
Reputation for quality and innovation
The continued successful launch of new products and services is a key driver for the future growth of Filtrona. Investment in research and development functions, supported by the identification of additional product sourcing opportunities, to deliver product innovation and range development provides the platform to further enhance Filtrona’s competitive positions. Robust quality systems to internationally accredited standards assist the fulfilment of customers’ needs.
Operational efficiency
Filtrona has a comprehensive production and distribution footprint which can be flexed to respond to customers’ needs, whether they be product, service, cost or supply chain driven. Supported by sophisticated IT systems, the Company is focused on being a low cost producer to secure revenue growth at attractive margins. Continuous improvement programmes, with tight cost control and productivity gains, serve to reduce conversion costs.