It is a couple of years since we last spoke with Gripple, the market-leading manufacturer of wire joiners and tensioners for agriculture, innovative suspension solutions for construction and various engineered solutions for civil, solar and other infrastructure applications. The firm employs over 950 people across 15 global locations, with six manufacturing sites in South Yorkshire. The company generates sales of more than £120 million across three key markets.
The firm provides installation and building services for construction projects, fencing, trellising and fruit growing for the agriculture sector, and slope stability and erosion control for the civil construction sector.
The years between our last conversation with Gripple have been eventful, but the business has continued to grow.
While the economic and political landscape has been challenging John Butterworth, New Products Director at Gripple UK, remains optimistic about the company’s performance. As he tells us, “Our business is 92% export-focused, and we’ve been closely monitoring developments in the United States and Brexit. Despite some fluctuations in the UK market, we’ve experienced strong growth across the board, with key markets showing solid growth recovery by the end of 2023.”
Butterworth emphasizes that these challenges are part of Gripple’s broader success story.
“Over the past five years, we’ve made significant strides, particularly in the solar market, which has seen an incredible 300% growth,” Butterworth points out. “Our performance in regional markets like Latin America has been outstanding, and our manufacturing capabilities continue to impress, driving our ongoing growth and success.”
Taller and Wider
As the company continues to grow, it is also transforming. The firm’s vertical integration journey has progressed since we last spoke with Butterworth.
“We are making great strides,” Butterworth shares. “Over the last year, we’ve seen incredible efforts from our staff, and the efficiencies we are introducing are going really well. We continue to work to be the best in class despite the challenges.”
The work is paying off. Gripple has achieved a remarkable 10% average year-on-year growth over the past five years, with its American arm recently hitting $80 million in annual revenue.
As the business grows, Gripple is committed to making a positive impact on the communities it serves. In 2023, the company contributed to 170 charities, donating £80,000 directly, raising £26,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and dedicating 1,500 man-hours to community efforts.
Gripple’s diversification strategy is an integral part of its long-term vision.
“We are trying to diversify as much as possible,” Butterworth reveals. “Currently, 75% of our income is from the construction market, but we know it’s essential not to put all our eggs in one basket. That’s why we’re expanding into sectors such as rail networks, helping them electrify faster and improve their carbon footprints.”
The rail sector, in particular, has proven to be an area of growth for Gripple.
“The UK government committed to significant investments in rail electrification, and the sector needs to electrify 300 kilometres per year to meet targets. In 2023, they completed only 1.2 kilometres,” Butterworth notes.
Fuelled by Innovation
Gripple’s goal remains clear: to create a sustainable business that drives innovation and benefits the community. The company’s focus on diversification is critical to ensuring long-term success.
“Our lead KPI for sustainable growth is ensuring that 20% of our turnover comes from products patented in the last five years,” Butterworth explains. “It’s essential for keeping us engaged, growing, and innovative. We’re not just looking for sales at any cost. We want to sell the right products to the right markets.”
Identifying the right products and markets requires empathy and an understanding of customer challenges. “We want to be aware of the problems and experiences our customers actually face,” Butterworth says. “We have undergone a shift in mindset, focusing on listening to our customers and understanding their challenges. It has led to the creation of innovative, award-winning products. We now have hundreds of patents. Reminding ourselves of that KPI has renewed every meeting that we have.”
The appointment of John Butterworth as New Products Director reflects Gripple’s commitment to maintaining a cohesive vision for growth, innovation, and digital transformation. The company’s goals are laid out in the “Gripple Rewired 2028” strategy, which aims to double the business to £200 million by 2028.
Gripple’s plan to achieve that goal is underpinned by those three strategic pillars – digital transformation, innovation, and diversification.
“We are working to be a force for good for climate and community,” Butterworth says.
Sustainability is integral to Gripple’s mission and operations, and Butterworth is thrilled to share some exciting news from its latest Sustainability Progress Report (2023).
“Gripple has achieved Carbon Neutrality across all our global operations!” Butterworth announces. “This milestone builds on our 2022 achievement in the UK & Ireland and marks another step forward in our mission to create a sustainable future. Through carbon reduction and accredited offsetting programs, we’ve earned our third consecutive Planet Mark Certification and are advancing toward our Net Zero 2030 goal.”
This vision is grounded in a commitment to people and sustainability.
“Look after the people and the profits will look after themselves. We are an employee-owned business. We all have skin in the game,” Butterworth points out.
But as Butterworth recognises, that skin in the game is not just from owning shares in the company.
Gripple’s unique employee-owned structure continues to shape its success. Recently, the company was highly commended as the “Employee Owned Business of the Year” at the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2024, a recognition of its employee empowerment and contributions to innovation, community and sustainability.
Gripple’s vision is clear: through its people, innovation, and commitment to sustainability, it will continue to drive positive change in the markets and communities it serves.
