Geographic balance
Proximity to customers with a complete offering Trelleborg sees strength in the ability to combine a strongly decentralized and local organization with the competence and financial muscle of the global company. Business decisions are to made as close to the customer as possible, which creates competitive flexibility and market and customer knowledge. Moreover, the Group will be less affected by economic and currency fluctuations in business cycles, as well as potential trade barriers or pandemics, by having a balanced geographic presence. The extensive local presence means the Group does not have significant export flows.

Trelleborg’s continuing operations are present in 40 countries with 100 manufacturing units and sell to just over 140 countries.

Portfolio optimization
Presence in profitable, growing segments

The Group is pursuing systematic activities involving a number of growth initiatives on several levels and in different areas. The business portfolio is being continuously reviewed to assess how the Group can continue to advance its positions in selected niches.

Initiatives can be launched in several dimensions, through investments in operations or bolt-on acquisitions. They may, for example, concern investments in new product innovations and customer partnerships, or the expansion into new closely-related niches, technologies or applications, or to new geographical areas. 

Structural improvements
Right place for right operation

Trelleborg’s focus is on developing its operations and localizing them to areas where Trelleborg can grow and recruit the right talent and do the best job. However, it is also about developing offerings that make life easier and increase value for customers, and developing and working within new business models.

For example, Trelleborg resolved in 2022 to upgrade its BioPharma facility and BioPharma Center of Excellence in Massachusetts, US. It is now being expanded to meet the rising demand for silicone tubing and hoses and other integrated solutions produced in cleanroom environments. The expanded facility will be gradually brought into use during the next 24–36 months.

Trelleborg also consolidates operations to achieve better and more cost-efficient production structures. For example, it was announced in 2022 that the production of tunnel seals will be transferred from the Netherlands to the Group’s facility in China. The Netherlands will instead act as a dedicated Sales & Design Engineering Excellence Center for tunnel seals.

Excellence
Excellence in core processes

Trelleborg conducts systematic internal work to further improve key processes, such as purchasing, manufacturing and sales. In addition, focus is on issues concerning the supply chain and leadership development.

This is achieved through training, which creates awareness and insights via Trelleborg Group University, through adapted tools, such as various Lean production principles, which improve efficiency and increase productivity, as well as by monitoring via adapted project tools.