Fast Facts

• Book manufacturer moved from Camberwell to Padstow in 1973
• Now with £12 million turnover employing 125 staff in a 24/6 operation
• Global partners – USA, Australia and Singapore
• £40 million investment in past 15 years - long-term commitment to region
• Joined Beacon under the 'pilot' scheme in 2003 (part of the GAIN network)
• Enjoy high level synergistic and mutually beneficial relationships via Beacon Southwest

Background

TJ International is one of the region’s success stories. Having relocated from London to Padstow in 1973, the book manufacturer now turns over £12 million and has invested heavily into its Cornish base with an emphasis on product quality, the environment, training & development, health & safety and business performance, being one of the most profitable book manufactures in the UK.

Although competition from the digital sector is intense, the industries complement each other in many ways and TJ International has big plans for ongoing growth and development in the coming years.

GAIN – the benefits

Being ahead of the curve has kept TJ International competitive with worldwide demand for its services. The company’s emphasis on the environment has enabled it to play a key role in Beacon Southwest, working with other members such as the Eden Project, Imerys and St Austell Brewery on their green agendas.

Angus Clark, Chief Executive of TJ International said: “We were one of the first companies to become Beacon members in 2003 and the experience has been extremely beneficial in terms of knowledge, contacts and generally raising the bar on quality.

“Companies of our size and turnover can feel isolated in Cornwall and it’s sometimes difficult to benchmark success, so talking to people with relevant first rate experience has been really useful.”

Angus says that the only constant is change and that TJ International can only plan two years in advance at the most in such a fast moving industry. Therefore the support and information from a network like Beacon is going to crucial to keep ahead of the game.

Results – the future

• Beacon has led to high level introductions and created a supportive network
• Worked on strategic projects with Beacon members
• Currently working with two companies in TJ International’s own sector via Beacon Southwest
• Industry technology changing rapidly

POSTED IN Case Studies