We have a strategic framework that connects our purpose with our strategy, our distinctive competencies and our Morgan Code.
Our strategy is to build distinctive capabilities in three areas:
Materials science
The strength of our materials science platform and our trusted relationships make us who we are:
- Deep understanding of how and why materials work, and how to change their properties
- c.450 engineers and materials scientists in four Centres of Excellence (CoE) and in our plants
- Rich intellectual property protected through trade secrets and select patents
- Broad materials technology portfolio in ceramics and carbon
- Extensive materials testing and characterisation capability and expertise
- Market and sustainability focused product innovation and technological ingenuity
Application engineering
We have built an understanding of the application of our materials science in our customers’ products and processes, in order to provide maximum benefit through advanced application engineering:
- Vast process know-how across the business in systems, process engineers and plant personnel
- Significant proprietary equipment
- Vertical integration to ensure tight process and product quality control, and protect IP
- Deep understanding of the interaction of process steps on material properties
- Ability to manufacture bespoke components and combine into value-added solutions
- Skilled and motivated workforce in a decentralised and entrepreneurial organisation
- Long relationships with trusted suppliers and responsible procurement practices
Customer focus
Our decentralised model enables us to be agile and improve service to our customers:
- Deep insights through engineering relationships and strategic marketing into customer needs and developments
- Dedicated/tailored sales channels for customer centricity
- Significant application expertise to allow solution engineering and co-development
- Broad product portfolio for complete and optimal solutions
- Extensive application testing capability, including simulating actual conditions
- A high level of qualification and repeat business
- Ability to serve globally with agile and reliable local marketing
We have three execution priorities which we are pursuing over the medium term to enhance our capabilities and improve our strategy execution.
Big positive difference
We will build a sustainable business, getting to net zero by 2050, and create a fair and inclusive working environment that is reflective of the communities we operate in. We want to be a business where everyone is welcome and can do their best.
We made good progress against our ESG and sustainability goals, see pages 26 to 42 of our 2024 Annual Report for more details.
Delight the customer
We will make our businesses more customer centric. We are getting feedback from our customers and making improvements to customer service, responsiveness and delivery. We are simplifying and improving our digital communication.
Progress in 2024:
- In Performance Carbon, following the integration of the former Seals & Bearings businesses, we have been working to streamline our internal supply chain to improve responsiveness and reduce lead times for our customers.
- In Thermal Products, North America, we have simplified our product portfolio and made improvements to our response times to customers.
- In Technical Ceramics, North America, we have worked to improve yields on certain complex parts to improve efficiency and delivery performance.
Innovate to grow
We will win in our core markets by providing products and solutions that make our customers more sustainable. We will increase our exposure to our faster growing markets that reflect global trends: semiconductors, healthcare, clean energy and clean transportation.
Progress in 2024:
- We have invested in capacity to support growth within core and faster growing market segments, including capacity in India and China for Thermal Products and in Semiconductors and Healthcare for Performance Carbon and Technical Ceramics.
- We invested £36.1 million in capacity.
- New product development continued across each of our business segments including new carbon and ceramic materials for the semiconductor market, new fibre insulation products for automotive applications, and new wind brush grades and armour materials.