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Last year was challenging for all of us, with the continuing impact of the pandemic and navigating our way through the Brexit process. However, Titus continued to serve its customers, providing purpose engineered furniture components to UK manufacturers and fitters.
We have a great team here at Titus UK, with Phil Beddoe as the General Manager. Phil and his team’s mission is to lead the selective development and supply of high volume precision-engineered furniture components that increase our customers competitiveness throughout the UK.
Phil has been with Titus for over two decades and knows the world of integrated component engineering inside out. His focus is helping more businesses and individuals to improve furniture quality and ease of assembly with the right components.
Here we caught up with Phil to chat about Titus UK and what 2022 has in store:
Hi Phil, how was last year for Titus?
Titus, like many companies within the industry, has experienced a year of high demand from both existing and new customers. This has been partly fuelled by the unprecedented growth in home improvements from families spending more time at home and taking the opportunity to update their kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices.
The demand, so far, has remained constant. As a result, Titus has increased investment in new production machinery and people. We have improved our logistics network to ensure customers are supplied with the products they require. Although demand may return to normal levels later this year, our customers will benefit from improvements to manufacturing and logistics processes. We have built stronger, more responsive supply lines to ensure customers receive the volumes they need when they need them.
How has the team managed the ongoing challenges?
At first, it was challenging to balance the increased demand. However, very quickly we implemented new processes that reduced the pressure and cleared a way to manage our customers’ expectations.
The investments we have made will continue to benefit our service in the long term, ensuring Titus continues to be a key supplier for our customers. We have shown we can meet requirements and serve as a reliable production partner.
The pandemic created new challenges and new ways of working. Not only have we adapted to these ways of working, but we have become more resilient, flexible, and responsive. We have met multiple challenges, creating a customer-first culture across all departments.
You recently welcomed some new team members to the Titus UK office. What will these recruits bring?
We have recently welcomed Kelly Russell and Andrea Wright to our customer service team, to help maintain and improve customer service levels. They bring a huge amount of skill and experience, and we look forward to working with them.
Kelly Russell comes from a managerial position in a busy office, coordinating the activities of both the clients and staff. Kelly has experience in compliance and registration in multiple market sectors and will be ensuring orders are met and planned correctly.
Andrea Wright, UK Sales Administration Assistant, previously worked at a market research company specialising in large FMCG companies in the UK. Her role includes analysing responses and data coding.
These acquisitions allow us to provide a deeper level of support and partnership with our customers. By understanding and anticipating our customers’ requirements, we can better understand key periods of demand and work to ensure a seamless supply experience.
What does 2022 have in store for Titus?
2022 will start with the KBB exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham. We will reconnect in person with our partners and friends in the industry and showcase new products. Our expanded range demonstrates our product depth and commitment to supporting the KBB industry. With continual investment in research and development, we will bring new products to the market. Working with our customers, we aim to improve their processes and continue to be a reliable partner in the supply of volume components.
Tell us about some new products on the horizon?
Our new range of connectors – System 6 – allow for optimum positioning. The connectors feature an elegant square design that enables a large surface area of the product to rest on the panel when tightened. Anti-rotation ribs prevent cam rotation and panel shift, while the angle-drive feature makes the connectors an ideal choice for limited assembly space.
We’re also excited to launch our range of dampers for cold environments, reliable at temperatures down to -30 ºC. The products create smooth and silent motion in home refrigerator elements like pull-out shelves, doors, and drawers. The range provides reliable damping for doors in freezers, wine coolers, and automobile applications.
See these new products in action at KBB Birmingham, 6-9 March 2022, at the NEC. You can find Titus on stand V80.
If you’re a furniture manufacturer or retailer looking for quality components in high volumes, get in touch on 01977 682582 or email [email protected].
