The UK subsidiary company of the TROX Group was established in 1962 and a brand-new production facility was built in Thetford in 1971 to meet increasing demand. Since then, the Thetford factory has developed into a centre of manufacturing excellence for chilled beams, fan coils, grilles and diffusers, and air handling units for the group, and TROX is now firmly established as a market leader in the HVAC industry.
“Our 60th Anniversary is a fantastic achievement for everyone who has been involved in TROX’s history” said Neil Addison, Managing Director (Sales & Operations) TROX UK. “It is a time to remember with pride everything the company has achieved, and it is an opportunity to look to the future.”
The TROX Group was first established in Germany in 1951 by Heinrich Trox. By the early 60’s, Heinrich Trox’s sons, Heinz and Klaus, had joined the company and embarked on a programme of expansion, with TROX UK becoming the first subsidiary company. Throughout the following decades the TROX Group has continued its process of globalisation, assisted by a steady influx of new products and technology.
Today TROX is a global leader in the development, production and sale of components, units and systems for the ventilation and air conditioning of rooms. With 34 subsidiary companies in 29 countries on five continents, 20 production facilities, and importers and representatives, TROX is present in over 70 countries. Currently, the TROX GROUP has around 4,560 employees worldwide and generates revenues of about EUR 600 million.
The UK operation has grown significantly over the years, and TROX UK now employs a team of 145. Many of the company’s staff have devoted their entire careers to working for TROX. The average service across the workforce is 11 years, and two of the current employees have worked for TROX for more than 42 years each.
Suzanne Archer, managing director of finance and human resources at TROX UK, commented: “We are extremely proud to have employees of such long-standing as part of our team at Thetford, and it has given us great pleasure to welcome new additions in recent years. Our apprenticeship programme continues to provide the springboard for careers with TROX, and we are also adding to our production team this year. Continuity and longevity are important, for everyone at TROX UK, as well as for our customers and suppliers.”
Continuous investment
The commitment of the TROX Group to its UK operation has continued across six decades. Most recently, TROX Group made an investment of nearly £1.5m to establish the UK operation as a centre of excellence for the manufacture of the X-Cube Air Handling Unit. Capital investment facilitated the installation of new production technology including an automated bending machine, a new brake press tool and tool storage, glue mixing and dispensing machine for the panels, a seal making machine, and three new panel presses.
Neil Addison commented: “Looking at our industry now, the landscape is very different to it was a few years ago, and there is a greater appreciation than ever before of the benefits delivered by the TROX product range. The integrity of design, and quality of manufacture of our products have become increasingly important as system designers and building owners turn their attention to the lifecycle analysis of HVAC systems. Retention of product knowledge and continued investment lie at the heart of our success here in Thetford, and we have exciting plans for the future development of the UK operation.”
During 2022 TROX UK has been marking its 60th anniversary in a number of ways, including the celebration for the entire team this summer.