Tow-Trust Towbars Ltd (TT) are the UK’s largest manufacturer of tow bars, rear under-run protection devices (PRO-TECT), rear access solution steps (PRO-STEP) and towing accessories. Based in Atherstone, Warwickshire, the company has deliberately positioned itself at the premium end of the market – sourcing the finest quality steel and using the latest technology in its design, testing and manufacturing processes, in order to supply the highest quality products.
Few would assume that today’s highly successful company started from humble beginnings. Tom Miller describes the early days of the business: “My parents founded the company in 1991 with the objective of paying off their mortgage and feeding our family. I was six years old then and remember travelling with them to find the right premises. So, you may say that I have been in the business since day one.”
The small workshop with a handful of people gradually grew, the results of his parents structured, sensible approach. After a couple of years they moved to Carlyon Road Industrial estate, the same estate they are on today, and every year or two they would try to acquire another unit on the estate growing Tow-Trust and laying the foundations of a sound business.
Tom and his brother Alan Miller, now the sales director, took over the reins five years ago, and continued to develop the company further. Following significant investment, a ‘super plant’ in Atherstone was born, a state-of-the-art production facility employing the latest technology, setting out the path for further business growth.
“Never in our wildest dreams would we, and our parents, have imagined Tow-Trust Towbars being the UK’s largest tow bar manufacturer, but we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved,” muses Tom, adding that the company’s customer base today consists of 1000 plus companies including top industry names such as RAC, Elddis Motorhomes, Balfour Beatty and others.
The road to success
So, what was behind such prominent success? Tom highlights several aspects that pushed the company to the fore. “TT is a family-owned company. There is pride and passion in what we do, and it shows. Also, we are absolutely focused on quality. Quality of the materials, quality of the working environment, quality of the machinery, quality of the training programmes, quality in the way we treat our customer base.”
“Another key differentiator is the level of service. We know our customers by name; we do not consider them just an account number on a revenue stream. We take time to speak to them, to get to know them. The high level of customer service is what my parents built this company on, and that is going to continue.”
“This ethos is unparalleled, and that’s what makes Tow-Trust Towbars different, that’s why we have grown. Too many companies focus on spreadsheets, and forecasts and profit margins, forgetting the core purpose of a business. Yes, we have got a good product. But a good product is only a good product if you can sell. Without a customer base, you have nothing.”
Top quality, top reliability
The demands of a tow bar are relatively simple – it needs to be safe, fit well, look good, and do the job it was intended for. However, attention to detail makes all the difference, says Tom. “In today’s market where money is tight and competition is high, it turns out that quality is still a word that means something.”
“We use material that is superior to that used by competitors, we use the longest lasting paint finish in the industry, we try to make sure that our packaging is of the highest grade we can possibly afford. The bottom line is that we end up with is the best quality, the longest lasting product in the industry. And customers recognise that.”
“We are also striving to make our packaging 100% recyclable in line with our sustainability target. Sustainability is a big topic for us, and we are making sure that we’re at the forefront of it – from energy consumption to fuels for our vehicles, and we are also looking at sustainability measures at our customers and suppliers.”
Environmental considerations are also reflected in the current facility expansion that includes advanced energy-saving machines achieving higher output. The plan is also to increase warehouse capacity and add a new two-storey large office block, including training suites, conference rooms and a canteen, to enhance organic business growth.
Unhindered by the challenge
And growth is definitely on the agenda. Despite the industry downturn, Tow-Trust Towbars has recorded 11% growth in the last 12 months and continues to increase staff numbers. “To find good quality engineers is currently my biggest challenge,” admits Tom. However, that challenge is being addressed, he affirms.
“I’m going to create a blueprint, something like the old-fashioned apprenticeship, but purely based around Tow-Trust Towbars. A sort of ‘school of excellence of tow bar manufacture’. We have already recruited some young employees and are now creating a structured training system for them.”
“I hope that in five years’ time, we will have a new, fresh team here, brought through the training programme. They may not stay with me forever, but I will have provided them with skills that will set them up for life. I feel this is my responsibility as a business owner.”
He plans to get schools on board, to invite young people to do work experience at Tow-Trust, followed by a possible apprenticeship. “I’m confident this blueprint will help to create the next generation of engineers. At which, as a country, we have failed. We have become a nation of warehouses and I want to help change that.”
Sensible future
Asked about the company’s plans for the future, Tom affirms that stability is the key. “The sensible, well-managed growth that my parents initiated will continue to be our way into the future,” he says, affirming the focus is now on implementing the facility expansion, due to be completed in early 2025.
After that, new opportunities will be explored. “Could we push for more business internationally? Yes. However, at this point in time, my objective is to stabilise the business following the steep growth we have experienced over the last few years. And only when I am confident that all is in place will we push again. If we go international, we will do it right and we will succeed. But it doesn’t happen overnight.”
With such a clear plan and dedication, Tom is set to further grow the company his parents set up with humble ambitions. “My parents come to the factory now, walk around and are fascinated how Tow-Trust Towbars has developed into this incredible, successful company. We are really proud of what we have achieved.”
