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Engineering managed to replace metal in many industrial processes with materials that, physically and mechanically, can perform the same functions, but are much easier, cheaper and safer to transport and handle. Swedish Trelleborg Group is one of the global providers of such niche solutions called engineered polymers. We talked to Patrick Romberg, Vice President of Trelleborg, about what it means to be a company with a century of tradition, and over 30 years in the business of providing these solutions for major projects in offshore oil and gas industry.

What is the story behind Trelleborg? What are its main features and how does it differ from competitors?

Trelleborg AB was founded in 1905. With 100 years behind us, our history, like our future, is characterized by a constant drive for quality and a passion for identifying new solutions to complex problems. Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions. We offer technological solutions that meet three primary customer needs: to seal, damp and protect to secure investments, processes and people in demanding industrial environments.

Functions that are vital for customers within selected segments of the global markets, such as aerospace, agricultural, light vehicles, infrastructure/construction, transportation equipment, offshore oil & gas and general industry.

While the raw materials and components do not differ dramatically from those included in the processes of other companies, in terms of value generation, there are significant aspects that set Trelleborg apart from its competitors and make the Group unique. Trelleborg’s expertise in the field of polymer engineering serves as the basis and is clearly evident in the manner in which the Group – using rubber, composites and plastics – can create the properties that the customer requests and needs in their applications.

Having 15.500 employees world-wide, we sell in 130 countries and manufacture in 40 of them

Furthermore, Trelleborg has the proximity and ability to listen to customer requirements of a local company, combined with the development knowledge and production resources of a global company. Trelleborg’s global network of strategically located development units help customers stay one step ahead of the competition.

Trelleborg has in-depth applications expertise in its selected market segments. Customer collaboration is founded on close communication with the customer, which facilitates doing business with Trelleborg. In addition, Trelleborg’s aim is to always improve its customers’ operations by simultaneously addressing customer production processes and productivity as well as end-customer preferences. At an overall level, this involves acting as a business accelerator.

What is the business strategy of this company? How does it recruit and train its employees, and where are they located?

Trelleborg’s strategy is to secure leading positions in selected segments. The Group has about 15,500 employees in over 40 countries with net sales of about 2.5 billion Euros. There is a preference to recruit locally and internally. Talent management within Trelleborg is aimed at having the right