Trojan Electronics Ltd.

Trojan has three distinct areas to its business. The first is returns management, refurbishment, repair and recycling of customers returned IT & AV products. These services are provided to both manufacturers and retailers and the customer base includes some of the biggest manufacturers in the world and the three top electrical retailers in the UK. Secondly, it is a full service provider for e-tail, including multi platforms solutions. Trojan manages webstores for companies e.g. one of its clients is the UK’s number 1 retailer and Trojan manage and run an eBay outlet store on their behalf dealing with listing, dispatching, customer service and all aspects required. Finally, the firm’s electronics division carries out sub contract work ranging from Its PCB SMT and through whole assembly, through to complete product build and test and full turnkey solutions for small to medium size batches.

Origins

After understanding that the implications of the WEEE directive (Wastage of Electronic & Electrical Equipment) would have far reaching consequences for both manufacturers and retailers, the founders wanted to establish Trojan as “best of bread” within this sector. This has been achieved by continued investment in both infrastructure and staff and realising that there is a need and requirement for quality manufacturing in the UK - not everything is made in China or Eastern Europe!

Main challenges when starting the business

After overcoming a serious factory fire after only 5 months after start-up, other challenges have been easy to deal with! These have included coping with the unforeseen delays in the implementation of the WEEE directives in the UK, the continued development of industry leading software to provide customers with full tracking and reporting facilities of their assets, the collapse of a major customer (accounting for 30% of its turnover at the time) in late 2008, and coping with, and thriving on, continuous change that is now truly embedded in the culture of Trojan’s staff.

Success factors

The increasing need for the services that the company provides is what enables the business to grow. However it is only as a result of the dedication, flexibility, commitment and ability to adapt with change shown by the staff, that it can be achieved. Trojan continues to invest in its staff with training programs, incentivised bonus structures and profit share. And the owners truly do value their staff as Trojan’s biggest asset. The company continues to be very proactive with customers, suggesting ideas, improvements and cost savings enabling us to stay ahead of its competition through innovative change. This allows Trojan to develop pioneering services that deliver more for customers and, by demonstrating how the best services can be delivered in the industry enables Trojan to win more and more contracts. Finally, planning for growth and how it is achieved it is also important, and if the company planned to stay within just its initial premises, then that’s what would have been achieved.

The future?

Trojan recently opened a second location in South Wales to accommodate an increasing demand for its e-tail fulfilment services, and have taken the opportunity that this presented to improve its Contract Manufacturing facilities and further extend the refurbishment capacity. The company will continue its marketing with the aim of securing further accounts with those major retail chains not already placing their business with Trojan. It will also continue the drive for greater efficiency and higher service standards to enhance relationships with existing customers and increase the potential for gaining new accounts.

Sector: Manufacturing refurbishment and solutions

Established: 2002

Growth: 151.6%