2021 Review
Record Revenue12TH COnsecutive Year of growth
- New product
- Manufacturing capacity
- Geographic expansion
- Logistics
- In-field marketing initiatives
13TH COnsecutive Year of gross Margin improvement
- The launch of high margin new products
- Disciplined mix management
- Exceptional productivity gains
- Volume leverage
14TH COnsecutive Year ofRecord profit
2021 US$’ million |
2020 US$’ million |
Changes | |
---|---|---|---|
Revenue | 13,203 | 9,812 | +34.6% |
Gross profit margin | 38.8% | 38.3% | +54 bps |
EBIT | 1,192 | 868 | +37.2% |
Profit attributable to Owners of the Company | 1,099 | 801 | +37.2% |
Basic earning per share (US cents) | 60.04 | 43.80 | +37.1% |
Dividend per share (approx. US cents) | 23.81 | 17.37 | +37.0% |
I am pleased to announce that 2021 was an extraordinary year for TTI with outstanding revenue and profit growth.
We delivered sales of US$13.2 billion, an increase of 34.6%. Over the two-year period, we significantly outperformed the market with +72.2% sales growth. Increased strategic investments in new product, manufacturing capacity, geographic expansion, logistics, and our in-field marketing initiatives propelled our industry leading performance.
Every one of our business units in all geographic regions delivered exceptional sales growth in 2021. North America grew 33.7%, Europe grew 41.1% and ROW grew 31.8%. Our Power Equipment business, representing 90.6% of total sales, grew 37.0% to US$12.0 billion. Our Milwaukee business, Ryobi DIY, and Ryobi Outdoor businesses all achieved double-digit growth, significantly outgrowing the market. Our Floorcare and Cleaning business also produced strong sales growth of 14.8% to US$1.2 billion.
Gross margin improved for the 13th consecutive year, from 38.3% in 2020 to 38.8% in 2021. This gross margin improvement is a direct result of the launching of high margin new products, disciplined mix management, exceptional productivity gains, and volume leverage.
Our team has done a masterful job managing through the evolving supply chain landscape. With the help of key long-term suppliers, we have navigated through increased in-transit times and limited transportation availability to keep serving customers at a high level. Additionally, our bold decision to invest in inventory has created a buffer of critical components to keep production lines running smoothly and insulating the business from commodity cost increases.
We are deeply committed to being a global leader in clean tech innovation, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical corporate governance. Throughout 2021, we continued to invest relentlessly in the development of environmentally responsible cordless products that reduce carbon and noise pollution and are safer for end users, while investing in decarbonizing our manufacturing operations. This year we are pleased to announce that we are committing to reducing our 2030 SCOPE 1 and SCOPE 2 absolute emissions by 60% from our 2021 baseline, not only reducing carbon intensity, but doing so while growing our business.
Financial Performance
EBIT increased 37.2% to US$1.2 billion, with the EBIT margin improving by 17 basis points to 9.0%. Net Profit rose 37.2% to US$1.1 billion, with earnings per share increasing 37.1% over 2020 to US60.04 cents. With the investments in inventory to support sales growth and high service levels, the Group maintained a disciplined working capital ratio at 20.9% of sales.
The Board is recommending a final dividend of HK 1 dollar (approximately US12.87 cents) per share. Together, with the interim dividend of HK85.00 cents (approximately US10.94 cents) per share, this will result in a full-year dividend of HK185.00 cents (approximately US23.81 cents) per share, against HK135.00 cents (approximately US17.37 cents) per share in 2020, an increase of 37.0%.
Outlook
TTI is now uniquely positioned to continue our leadership position in professional cordless, DIY cordless, outdoor cordless, and in floorcare. In 2021, we made bold investments to expand manufacturing capacity, new product development, marketing, end user conversion, geographic expansion, and inventory to support our 34.6% sales growth. In 2022, we are excited to continue making substantial investments in the business, to drive another year of above market results and gross margin expansion.
I would like to thank our customers, end users, suppliers, shareholders, and entire TTI organization for another tremendous year. These outstanding results are a testament to the quality of our dedicated, skilled, and passionate world-class teams across the globe. We are confident that our unrelenting bold vision, customer focus and business momentum will make 2022 another outstanding year and position TTI with exciting opportunities in the months and years ahead.
Chairman
March 2, 2022
2021 was an epic year for TTI, with organic sales growth of $3.4 billion. Not only did we grow the business by 34.6%, but we did so while improving gross margin and net profit at a faster rate than sales. Our unwavering strategic focus on cordless technology drove this extraordinary performance.
We are leading the once-in-a-generation shift from petrol, corded, manual, hydraulic, and pneumatic products to cordless in power tools, light equipment, outdoor products, and cleaning. Our technologically advanced cordless products command a premium in the market, which drives our continued gross margin improvement. 2021 was the 13th consecutive year of gross margin improvement, funding additional strategic SG&A investments in R&D, new product development, in-field marketing specialists, digital marketing, store coverage, and geographic expansion. This virtuous cycle of gross margin improvement and strategic SG&A reinvestment to drive sales and gross margin improvement is a core strategy that has allowed us to consistently deliver on our commitment of outgrowing the market while improving our financial performance.
Powerful Brands
In addition to delivering spectacular results in 2021, I have never been more optimistic about the future growth engines of the company. MILWAUKEE is the number one and fastest-growing global brand in the professional tool market, while RYOBI is the number one DIY tool and cordless outdoor power equipment brand worldwide. We have also expanded our best-in-class offering of MILWAUKEE professional cordless outdoor equipment, which is now the fastest-growing brand of cordless professional-grade outdoor products for landscapers and lawn and garden enthusiasts.
Cordless Leadership
We are laser-focused on developing advanced, demonstrably better and technologically superior cordless products. Our development process is driven by the end user’s needs from start to finish. As an example, when developing our new flagship RYOBI 80V HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower, we started from a blank canvas rather than working to “electrify” an existing petrol-powered product. This allowed us to optimize each critical component of the mower to maximize power and performance while adding new innovative features.
In addition to developing one runaway successful product after another, the network effect of our interchangeable battery systems compounds our growth trajectory. Every additional product we add to the system increases the value of the entire platform to our end customer. For example, the flagship MILWAUKEE M18 platform now has 251 products that run off the same M18 battery and is rapidly growing. This is attractive to new customers who gain access to a wide range of tools that run off the same powerful battery. It also creates a loyal customer base with access to a continuous stream of new products available as bare tools powered by batteries they already own. This is a key tenant of our cordless strategy and is deployed across all our TTI battery platforms.
Supply Chain Investments
In 2021, we continued to make bold investments in additional manufacturing capacity to support our future growth. Construction is currently underway on greenfield manufacturing sites in the US and Vietnam while we continue to invest in our world-class existing facilities across Asia, North America, and Europe. Our expanding global manufacturing footprint allows us to produce high-quality products with the flexibility to quickly react to changing environmental and geopolitical factors. All TTI sites worldwide adhere to the TTI OPEX philosophy of delivering world-class quality, driving increased productivity, and maintaining best-in-class service levels for our customers.
We have also strategically partnered with key suppliers to develop the latest technology. These close partnerships allow us to deliver on our internal mandate of disrupting our core products with next-generation models that have more power, compactness, longer life, or a multitude of other features. Our strategic suppliers did a magnificent job delivering advanced technology and steady component supply throughout 2021.
Exceptional People
We continued with our aggressive hiring plans in 2021, adding another 2,031 high-potential college graduates to our Leadership Development Program (LDP). Since its beginning over 14 years ago, this program has supported our growth by creating a pipeline of future leaders across the engineering, sales, marketing, purchasing, supply chain, manufacturing, and finance disciplines. Software and electronics engineering is an especially high focus, as we have augmented our R&D powerhouse with newly recruited engineers who drive technological advancements and accelerate the pace of our new product launches.
In addition to bolstering our workforce with high-potential college graduates, we’ve focused on further developing our high-performance culture across all levels and functions of the organization. The depth of our team has never been more impressive, with many of our LDP graduates leading functions across the organization with increasing levels of responsibility. The deep commitment and dedication of our highly talented team to users, customers, and distribution partners across the globe is a competitive advantage that powers our growth.
Geographic Expansion Success
Our breathtaking growth in the European theater exemplifies the power of our world-class management team. We have gone from a very small presence in Europe to a commanding cordless leadership and growth position. The European team’s success is a great example of the company’s ability to continue to grow outside the core US market. In addition to Europe, we have been able to achieve incredibly strong growth levels in Canada, Mexico, Australia/New Zealand, and Asia. I am enormously impressed by the quality of our world-class team across the globe.
Sustainability
Our mission is to lead the industry in clean tech innovation, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical corporate governance. Sustainability best practices are embedded in all layers of the organization and across all functions. This year, we committed to reducing our absolute SCOPE 1 and SCOPE 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 60% in 2030. Our team has rallied around this commitment and has started making excellent progress towards our goal. For example, we recently committed to a green energy initiative in the State of Wisconsin, powering our sites in the area with electricity generated from clean sources. Another one of our leadership initiatives in sustainability is developing carbon and noise pollution-free battery-powered outdoor products. RYOBI has led the revolution away from noisy, petrol-powered outdoor equipment with a fleet of battery-powered lawn mowers, battery-powered snow blowers, and cordless handheld outdoor equipment. We have also launched a premium line of MILWAUKEE battery-powered professional-grade outdoor equipment, led by the flagship MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL 21” Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower.
From raw material sourcing, manufacturing operations, supply chain, transportation, and new product development, I am incredibly proud of how our team has developed a core competency in sustainability. We firmly believe that our ability to grow as a company is closely linked to our ESG performance.
The Best is Yet to Come
In 2021, we dramatically outpaced the market and strengthened our global leadership position. Our bold investments in new product development, manufacturing, logistics, geographic expansion, and in-field marketing initiatives drove our growth and extended our position as industry leaders. While we are pleased with our 2021 performance, we firmly believe the next five years will be a tremendous period for the company’s sales and profit growth.
I want to thank our Chairman, Horst Pudwill, and Vice-Chairman, Stephan Pudwill for their bold leadership and unwavering support. We share a vision for sustainable global cordless dominance, and I am proud of being a part of a team that consistently outperforms the market. This is just the beginning of our journey, and I am confident that the best is yet to come.
Chief Executive Officer
March 2, 2022
It all starts with the user. We don’t make assumptions. Instead, we set out to deliver disruptive innovation by getting out on the jobsite, alongside trade professionals, to understand their challenges – the frustrations, the needs, and previous limitations. We set out to completely rethink a solution with new-to-world technology and unparalleled levels of design and engineering. Whether it’s bringing cordless power to traditionally corded or gas products and manual activities, or advances to fundamental tools and equipment, MILWAUKEE’s focus is on working directly with users to help improve their productivity and safety
The MILWAUKEE M12 System continues to introduce innovative solutions that deliver portable productivity and performance. For example, the newly launched M12 23 Gauge Pin Nailer is the most compact cordless nailer on the market, combining precision and power to deliver the performance that professional carpenters and remodelers demand, without the hassle of a compressor hose or gas cartridge
The MILWAUKEE M18 platform continued to grow with the launch of several best-in-class additions. The M18 FUEL 6, 9 and 12 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuums bring unmatched performance, durability, and versatility to jobsite cleanup. By delivering 3.5 – 4.25 Peak HP, these vacuums outperform corded, while performing at a lower decibel level, resulting in a quieter and less harsh operation than competitive AC wet/dry vacuums. In addition to expanding into new product categories, we introduced next generation innovation in finish nailers, grinders and SDS-Plus hammers
With the launch of the industrial MILWAUKEE MX FUEL Equipment System, we entered the multi-billion-dollar light equipment space. This platform’s disruptive cordless technology replaces traditional gas and corded power sources and has been well received by industrial users all over the world
MILWAUKEE continues to expand its offering in the Outdoor Power Equipment category with the launch of the M18 FUEL 21” Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower. Delivering best-in-class cut quality and more max torque than 200cc gas competitors, this mower meets the performance needs of the Landscape Maintenance professional. The M18 FUEL 21” Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower brings innovation and industry-leading performance to battery-powered lawn mowers, and is a true testament to MILWAUKEE’s focus on investing in game-changing technology that truly delivers breakthrough solutions for users
MILWAUKEE continues to drive success within the Masonry and Concrete accessory category. Our premium offering of concrete drilling and chiseling products for our users sets us apart from the competition. Our MX4 4-Cutter SDS Plus and SDS Max concrete drilling solutions allow users to drill through rebar with 5X the life vs. standard 2-cutter product. MILWAUKEE’s SLEDGE Self Sharpening Chisels stay sharper longer, delivering enhanced productivity to our users
Oscillating Multi-Tool Blades is a rapidly growing category that has benefits for all types of end users. Pro-users have seen the benefits of our carbide teeth blades for longest life, as well as the widest range of applications and universal fit to all power tools. The new Universal Fit Titanium Enhanced Carbide Teeth Extreme Materials and Extreme Metal Blades are designed for use in the most extreme material cutting applications, and offer faster cutting performance and last up to 50X longer than standard bi-metal blades
The revolutionary MILWAUKEE PACKOUT Storage System continues to expand to meet professional’s growing tool storage, transportation and organizational needs. New innovations to the system of over 45 interchangeable products include the PACKOUT Deep Organizer and PACKOUT Rolling Tool Chest
MILWAUKEE is committed to keeping professionals safe on the job by offering 590+ solutions in the categories of hard hats, eye protection, hearing protection, high visibility vests, respirators, and work gloves. Each PPE solution has been developed with a deep understanding of user’s needs, allowing us to introduce needed innovations like high-dexterity gloves, helmets, and many more
RYOBI continues to lead the way as the #1 DIY Tool Brand in the world. It’s about the systems & platforms. The breadth of its line, coupled with the quality and value of its products, all compatible with a battery interface in place since 1996, make the RYOBI 18V ONE+ system the platform of choice for millions of pros, homeowners, and DIY’ers. For tackling more power demanding yardwork, the RYOBI 40V system now supports Outdoor Power Equipment capable of the toughest jobs without the need to plug-in or fill-up. Combining power with innovative design, the RYOBI WHISPER SERIES — its quietest range of products, gives users all the power without the noise. With the new RYOBI LINK Modular Storage System, users can easily organize, access, and transport all of these tools, with superior versatility and customization. Rounding out the RYOBI system family is the newest USB LITHIUM cordless platform, featuring a variety of compact and portable tools, all rechargeable via a USB-C port in the battery
RYOBI is quickly establishing itself as a leader in the Hobby/ Craft & Maker category with over 70 new innovative tools and accessories. This new line of product solutions allows users to more easily complete projects with thoughtful engineering and features that expand their creativity. The new offerings deliver enhanced capabilities with new rotary tools, crafting tools, cutting tools, and accessories for all users’ needs. Delivering solutions on the 18V ONE+ platform as well as the brand-new USB LITHIUM platform, RYOBI provides a new cordless product for any application at any skill level
The RYOBI 18V ONE+ System features over 260 innovative product solutions, giving users the ultimate in versatility and selection to get the job done. With cordless lithium-ion technology, RYOBI powers through almost anything. From drilling, cutting, fastening and cleaning, to lighting, plumbing, trimming, mowing and clearing, the ONE+ system gives users The Power To Do More
The RYOBI 40V System puts the power in your hands to tackle any job without having to plug-in or fill-up. With 75 innovative tools and counting, each product is engineered to deliver GAS-LIKE POWER for superior performance and fade-free runtime — from first cut to last. What’s more, RYOBI’s 40V lithium-ion battery fits every charger and powers every RYOBI 40V tool
This year, RYOBI added the RYOBI 80V HP Lithium Zero Turn Riding Mowers to its extensive offering of mowers. These innovative riders deliver true gas performance and the equivalent of 35 horsepower by combining the power of premium brushless motors, advanced electronics, and 80V llithium-ion batteries. Innovative 40V Battery Ports allow users to extend runtime and tackle up to five acres, more terrain than ever before. The all new iDrive Intelligent Drive System delivers the precision and speed of traditional two-handed paddle drive ZTRs, with a single intuitive joystick control
The RYOBI 40V HP WHISPER SERIES is its quietest range of Outdoor Power Equipment, allowing users to maintain their yards with the convenience of cordless, while kicking the can, noise and maintenance that come with traditional gas products. The RYOBI WHISPER SERIES combines 40V HP Technology with powerful brushless motors and innovative noise-reducing technology. The resulting products provide best-in-class performance and incredible power, while operating up to 85% quieter than comparable products
As the #1 DIY Tool Brand in the world, RYOBI is the leader when it comes to cordless technology and innovation. The relentless focus on new product development and commitment to provide innovative solutions led to the introduction of the RYOBI LINK Modular Storage System that will revolutionize organization of the home, jobsite and everywhere in between. This modular storage system includes multiple components that share a common locking interface, enabling users to customize their storage solutions in the home and on the go
The HOOVER Cordless System is powered by innovative, lithium-ion ONEPWR batteries available in several size, power and runtime options. The versatile ONEPWR batteries allow pairing the right size battery with the right products to fit customers’ cleaning habits. Where an 8Ah battery helps extend the runtime of a cordless vacuum, the lightweight 2Ah battery is more appropriate for a hand vacuum. The true benefit to the customer is owning multiple HOOVER cordless products and multiple ONEPWR batteries for extensive cleaning and runtime options
Leveraging the global success of TTI’s lithium-ion technology, HOOVER continues to advance home cleaning through the most diverse cordless cleaning portfolio in the category. From vacuums to spot cleaners to wet/dry vacuums, all cordless cleaning tools in the HOOVER portfolio works with the same ONEPWR interchangeable lithium-ion battery. So, for the user, switching from one task to another is as simple as switching the battery from one product to another. And with multiple batteries, users can always have at least one powerful battery charging while one is in use
The HOOVER Cordless System is powered by innovative, lithium-ion ONEPWR batteries available in several size, power and runtime options. The versatile ONEPWR batteries allow pairing the right size battery with the right products to fit customers’ cleaning habits. Where an 8Ah battery helps extend the runtime of a cordless vacuum, the lightweight 2Ah battery is more appropriate for a hand vacuum. The true benefit to the customer is owning multiple HOOVER cordless products and multiple ONEPWR batteries for extensive cleaning and runtime options
With the success of TTI’s lithium-ion technology, VAX continues to build market share in the UK with a significant offering of cordless cleaning products. With vacuums, spot and hard floor cleaners, all VAX cordless products work with the same ONEPWR interchangeable lithium-ion battery. So, for the user, switching from one task to another is as simple as switching the battery from one product to another. And with multiple batteries, users can always have at least one powerful battery charging while one is in use
With the success of TTI’s lithium-ion technology, VAX continues to build market share in the UK with a significant offering of cordless cleaning products. With vacuums, spot and hard floor cleaners, all VAX cordless products work with the same ONEPWR interchangeable lithium-ion battery. So, for the user, switching from one task to another is as simple as switching the battery from one product to another. And with multiple batteries, users can always have at least one powerful battery charging while one is in use
Designed for versatile and adaptable cleaning around the home, VAX Edge Dual Pet & Car has been designed for be everything consumers know and love about a traditional corded upright vacuum – just without the cord. With two ONEPWR batteries for up to 100 minutes runtime, full-size performance and capacity, and the new VAX VERSACLEAN Technology floorhead to tackle debris on all floors, Edge Dual Pet & Car delivers the whole home big clean without the cord
VAX ONEPWR Evolve Cordless Vacuum Cleaner has been designed for lightweight, quick cleaning – without the cord. With a more traditional upright form and large dirt bin capacity, it offers consistent effective performance, ideal for both carpets and hard floors
Superior Supply Chain Management
- Bold investments in additional manufacturing capacity to support future growth
- We continue to invest in world-class facilities across Asia, North America, and Europe
- All TTI sites worldwide adhere to the TTI OPEX philosophy of delivering world-class quality, driving increased productivity, and maintaining best-in-class service levels for our customers
Superior Supply Chain
Management
Management
diversification
GEOGRAPHIC EXPANSION SUCCESS
- The European team’s success is a great example of the company’s ability to continue to grow outside the core US market
- Achieved incredibly strong growth levels in Canada, Mexico, Australia/New Zealand, and Asia
We have made important strides throughout the year to build our sustainability values into the culture at TTI, and we are progressing well on our ESG journey. We are examining how we design, source, manufacture, distribute and recycle our products to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure the long-term sustainability of our governance and business model.
TTI’s determination to be a leader in sustainability is not just because it is a requirement, but because it is our responsibility and the right thing to do. Two areas we would like to highlight this year are the continued improvement in our corporate governance and the establishment of environmental targets. Sustainability is woven into our culture from the ground level of our operations all the way up to the Board. In doing so, we plan to continue to heavily invest in our people and clean technology. As a leader in our industry, we have set ambitious goals for our future performance and the standard for what it means to be an exceptional global organization.
Target Setting
Our team is focused more than ever on our organization’s environmental impact and potential opportunities to reduce future emissions. As a result, we are proud to announce our decarbonization plan.
- By 2030, we plan to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 60% from our 2021 baseline, while aggressively growing the business.
- Our employees across the globe have contributed to this new target through prioritizing energy efficiency initiatives, onsite renewable energy, offsite renewable energy procurement, and the conversion of our fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles.
- We are very pleased to have recently signed our Green Energy deal in the state of Wisconsin, supplying us with 100% green energy in our Wisconsin sites. This is a brand-new program, and we are one of the first companies to commit.
- We continue to map, measure and target reductions for Scope 3 emissions throughout our value chain and product life cycle.
Governance
In 2021, we simultaneously improved the gender diversity of our board and augmented its sustainability expertise with the addition of a new Independent Non-Executive Board Director, Ms. Virginia Davis Wilmerding. We are also pleased to welcome Ms. Caroline Christina Kracht as another Independent Non-Executive Director effective March 7th, 2022. The addition of these two highly qualified female directors to our Board will bolster the strength and diversity of our governance structure.
- TTI has actively engaged in sustainability oversight at the Board level while at the same time investing in dedicated sustainability functions at the Group and business unit levels.
- We continue our multi-pronged effort to further integrate environmental, social, and governance strategies into our business unit and Board level decision-making. These strategies will continue to be communicated to investors, customers, employees, and other stakeholders throughout 2022.
Sustainable Products
TTI has remained focused on clean tech innovation as a core strategy. This is reflected in our cordless lithium-ion battery technology and state-of-the-art acoustic engineering capabilities. Our commitment to developing battery platforms that are 100% backward and forward compatible is a prime example of our sustainable circular economy leadership.
- We convert users from traditional power sources including corded, pneumatic, hydraulic, and petrol tools to our advanced, demonstrably better, and technologically superior lithium cordless battery products.
- In addition, we developed the RYOBI WHISPER SERIES of outdoor products with our state-of-the-art acoustic engineering capabilities. Our mission is to eliminate harmful noise pollution from neighborhoods, and we are excited about the application of our advanced acoustic R&D within our new product pipeline.
- We are relentlessly focused on the quality, safety, repairability, and longevity of our products. This commitment to circular economy principles in our design and engineering processes is paired with a focus on end-user behaviors. These behaviors facilitate servicing, repairing, and refurbishing tools for more sustainable product life cycles.
Not only are we focused on leadership in sustainable products, but also on building out a sustainable global footprint. Our commitment to decarbonizing our manufacturing operations is exemplified by the current construction of LEED Certified state-of-the-art manufacturing sites in Vietnam and the USA. In addition, solar panels are being installed across our facilities to better manage energy consumption.
The sustained commitment among all levels of employees to play pivotal roles in our ESG journey has been extremely encouraging. We are a leading global technology company that depends on recruiting the best and brightest talent worldwide. There is a direct correlation from our tangible measures of ESG success and our ability to attract and retain talent. Stakeholders of all kinds are excited to work with us to build a more sustainable future.
At TTI, we are fully committed to doing business in a way that creates a more just, diverse, safe, and environmentally-responsible world. TTI’s mission remains to improve the lives of homeowners and tradespeople around the world. I am proud of the incredible team we have established to build a more sustainable future and am confident we will exceed our targets, continue to assess the financial risk associated with ESG and further establish TTI as a leader across the globe.
Vice Chairman
March 2, 2022
RCS & UNICEF COLLABORATION
TTI’s sponsorship of the Better Mining initiative with the RCS Global Group has helped enable a technical collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aimed at eradicating child labor. In 2021, RCS Global and UNICEF announced they will develop and pilot a toolkit for mine operators and supply chain stakeholders to address child labor in artisanal and small mining (ASM) communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The toolkit will include:
- actionable guidance for engaging with children and parents on and around sites;
- health and safety measures such as access control to sites; and
- stakeholder engagement with local authorities and civil society organizations
This project will initially be piloted at two mine sites in the DRC. Once the development and piloting of the toolkit is complete, it can then be rolled out internationally, serving ASM communities worldwide. TTI will be supporting and engaging with the progress of the project, which aligns with our commitment to eradicate child labor
A Document Built to Last
TTI reaffirms our commitment to our Code of Conduct. Fundamentally, we are committed to: Doing the Right Thing, Treating Each Other with Dignity and Respect, Building Strong Relationships and Exceeding Customer Expectations. Due to continued expansion, our legal teams have continually engaged with this document and each time we entered a new market, we have worked with law firms to ensure our commitments were in compliance with all local laws and regulations. TTI’s legal teams also keep a vigilant eye on evolving regulations and revise the Code to ensure compliance with any new laws
The Code’s durability has been maintained through a robust process to ensure the material issues that affect our employees and operations are identified and accounted for. TTI’s Code of Conduct sets the Company’s values and commits every employee to uphold these in all actions relevant to the Company. Relationships between employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders and the communities we serve are also covered by the Code. Today, over 30,000 TTI employees engage with and commit to the Code through our online Learn TTI platform, while the remainder learn and commit to it through a review of hard copies available in over 22 languages
Partnership Milestones
Over the years, TTI has developed and implemented a number of policies, codes and programs to ensure that we, as a company, source materials, products and services responsibly. These policies and programs provide our partners, particularly our suppliers, with a good understanding of TTI’s requirements and guidelines for doing business with TTI. Our efforts to source responsibly and protect human rights are enhanced through partnerships with global organizations such as the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) and The Mekong Club. With RBA, we are involved with a number of programs, including the Responsible Labor Initiative (RLI), which enables TTI to participate in a collaborative, cross-industry approach to address the root causes of forced labor. The RLI also provides TTI with specialized services and tools to establish company-level due diligence programs. In addition, we are a member of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). We are also proud to be a founding member of the Better Mining initiative
Responsible Sourcing Partnerships & Memberships
Decarbonization
In response to a global shift towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050 following the Paris Agreement, TTI has set a Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target to demonstrate our commitment and create a roadmap to drive our decarbonization efforts. We have followed best practice guidelines and methodologies, including the Science-based Targets initiative to support our goals and implement a robust action plan
To determine our pathway, we first mapped our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions. Following this and to determine how far we could drive down emissions by 2030, we conducted market research, a series of internal interviews across our BUs and assessments of energy efficiency opportunities and renewable energy availability. While the assessments showed that focusing on energy efficiency was the priority, we also considered various measures, and proposed the following other options to our regional BUs:
- Onsite renewable energy
- Offsite renewable energy
- Fleet hybridization and electrification
- Energy Attribute Certificates (EAC)
- Carbon offsets
As part of the process, we completed a comprehensive energy audit of all manufacturing sites in the PRC and chose 2021 as our baseline to have a more complete and accurate baseline. We also provided decarbonization guidance to BUs across all regions, requesting them to conduct their own internal energy audits, to assure the assessments were accurate and complete. Understanding that operations in different regions are unique, the regions proposed their own internal targets within the GHG reduction program. By shifting our allocation of resources to support a mix of measures, our Group target was set at 60% reduction of our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030 compared to our 2021 baseline
Our Strategy
A 60% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions compared to 2021. Upon careful assessment, we have determined that the main contributors to achieving this will be:
- Energy efficiency
- Onsite solar photovoltaics
- Offsite renewable energy procurement such as green tariffs, green power procurement and Power Purchase Agreements in key markets
- Energy Attribute Certificates (EAC), where other options are not available
- Electric vehicle conversion
- Operational improvements
As our business involves providing energy-consuming products to end-users, our Scope 3 emissions are a significant part of our footprint. In 2021, we started expanding our mapping of Scope 3 emissions, including those from raw materials, capital goods, transportation as well as employee commuting, and we are now finalizing the assessment of emissions arising from the usage and the end-of-life treatment of sold products. As a next step we intend to set Scope 3 targets in line with the Science-based Targets methodology to achieve net zero emissions as soon as possible
- 1Energy efficiency
- 2Onsite solar photovoltaics
- 3Offsite renewable energy procurement
- 4Energy Attribute Certificates (EAC)
- 5Electric vehicle conversion
- 6Operational improvements
Energy
With renewable energy procurement being a key measure in our decarbonization pathway, we have initiated both onsite and offsite projects
Solar Energy in the PRC
We are preparing to install solar rooftops at our facilities in the PRC and are now in the final stages of selecting an external partner for this project. Our aim is for our first installation at our main location in Dongguan in 2022 with all phases scheduled to be completed by 2026. The total area covered by solar panels will be over 120,000 sqm, generating an estimated 13.92 MWh of energy by 2027 for TTI AIP, which represents 18% of the electricity consumed at this location in 2021
Green Energy in the USA
We are also pursuing an offsite project in the USA to help meet our target. Our Milwaukee Tool BU engaged experts at their main energy provider, WE Energies, to perform energy audits at all locations in Southeastern Wisconsin. After review of their projected consumption, Milwaukee Tool entered into a green energy commitment with WE Energies that provides 100% renewable energy at all Southeastern Wisconsin Milwaukee Tool locations. The agreement commenced in February 2022 and makes Milwaukee Tool one of the early adopters of the Energy for Tomorrow program
Leveraging Brand Power to Drive Sustainability
In 2021, our Milwaukee Australia BU partnered with local recycling partner Envirostream to launch FUTURE FORWARD™. Going beyond simply making battery recycling available to users, the new initiative involves a targeted campaign that seeks to leverage our Milwaukee Australia brand and embed sustainability into our identity
We chose to work with Envirostream as it had established a first-of-a-kind in Australia, environmentally safe lithium-ion battery recycling facility. By processing onshore, Envirostream is adding value back into the Australian manufacturing sector and growing the local sustainability industry by creating jobs — a factor that was identified as important to our users
Following state-level pilot programs tested in the previous year, Milwaukee launched nationwide retail collection units in June 2021. We also identified key clients and executed several pick-ups at job sites. At the nationwide launch in June, the campaign collected 20 kg of batteries. The volume continued to increase month on month and by November, monthly collections reached 76 kgs of lithium-ion. Currently, the team is using collection data to gauge market reception of the program. Looking forward, the FUTURE FORWARD™ team aims to tailor the next phase of marketing and communications about the project to be more targeted towards different facets of the market. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to fully integrate FUTURE FORWARD™ into the Milwaukee brand and cement battery recycling as part of our central value proposition to users
Powered Products
Consumer power equipment
Another line of our products that emit less GHG emissions while in use, include the RYOBI cordless lawn mowers and outdoor power tools. We performed an analysis on our cordless lawn mowers conducted by an independent expert. The results showed that there is a reduction of 8% in the GHG emission footprint of the cordless lawn mower when looking purely at the products, namely as a result of their materials, manufacturing and assembly. However, an indicative scenario of 500 uses of the two products yielded different results. Testing showed that after 500 uses, the RYOBI Cordless Lawn mower had a significantly reduced GHG emission footprint, approximately 166% or 2.6 times lower than the gas-powered lawn mower equivalent