T&T Custom Injection Moulding, family-owned and based in Oakville, Ontario, is consistently ranked among Canada’s top injection moulding businesses. However, Brian Tautrims, the company’s President, doesn’t take this success for granted.
Before taking the helm at T&T, Brian, a second-generation moulder, was immersed in the industry from an early age. He gained invaluable experience as an apprentice millwright at Engel Canada. “Working on injection moulding machines gave me practical knowledge that was vital when I returned to the industry and our own family business,” he explains. “At Engel, my role was supporting customers through the spare parts department, helping identify necessary components for repairs and retrofits.”
Second-generation leadership
Brian’s father, Klaus, had built a successful business before launching T&T in 1989, initially named Tumblers and Trays Inc. After the birth of Brian’s first child, he joined the family business. In 2022, T&T rebranded to reflect its evolving strategy, shifting from proprietary plastic items (such as cups and trays) to focus on custom moulding for customers across various industries.
For over three decades, T&T has provided customers with high-precision, custom injection moulded parts for a wide range of industries. These include everything from thermoplastic and engineered resins to environmentally friendly, plant-based options.
T&T’s expert team, many of whom have spent their careers in the moulding and plastics fabrication industry, produces items such as reusable food containers, medical products, precision plastic parts, and thin-walled packaging for clients in hydroponics, solar, food packaging, industrial containers, and other sectors.
“We also serve the advertising and marketing/promotional sector,” says Tautrims. “Our facility is second to none in cleanliness, and we strive to create a well-lit, safe facility that makes our employees feel good about working with us.”
T&T’s product range spans from small, multi-cavity clips to large trays and tabletops. In addition to manufacturing proprietary items, T&T offers moulding services to clients, assisting them with product development and creation. This includes value-added services such as 3D printing, prototyping, evaluation of future manufacturing efficiencies, mould design, resin selection, ultrasonic welding, packaging, and more.
North American connections
“Although we don’t build moulds, our knowledge allows us to assist clients in key decisions related to material selection, cavity quantity, and even shipping and international trade,” says Tautrims. “Our industry experience has allowed us to build a network of trusted North American mould makers who support our customers. If we can’t provide an answer, we know someone who can.”
While product design and tool and die services are handled by independent contractors, T&T provides valuable expertise throughout the process, ensuring products meet customer standards at the lowest cost possible. “Some of our finest toolings come from North American tool and die shops like Top Grade Molds, Protech International, and Delmo Molds. These tool and die shops all stand by their high-quality tooling. They have all been instrumental in the quality of customers’ products.”
T&T also collaborates with resin distributors, such as Formerra, Nexeo Plastics, Brenntag Canada, Chase Plastics, and Pounds of Plastic, to ensure that customers have access to the most suitable resins for their product needs.
Proudly Canadian
T&T’s Canadian roots offer several advantages for clients. “As a family-owned, Canadian business, we are professional, responsive, and focused on meeting unique customer requirements,” says Tautrims. “We’ve been known to work through the night to solve problems and ensure customer satisfaction. We know that without customers, we do not have a business.”
Conveniently located in the Greater Toronto Area/Halton Region, T&T is easily accessible for on-site visits and in-person meetings. The company’s location on a major 400-series highway ensures fast, efficient transportation to meet customer needs. The exchange rate between Canada and the U.S. also allows T&T to provide services at a more competitive cost, while its extensive experience with international trade and customs clearance ensures smooth global operations.
35 successful years and counting
Although T&T Custom Injection Moulding celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024, Tautrims emphasizes that the company remains focused on the future. With a core team of 10 employees and a network of temporary staff during peak demand, T&T is committed to growth and continuous improvement.
“We have advanced business and moulding acumen as well as quality management and supply chain knowledge within our team,” says Tautrims. “We bring over 150 years of combined industry experience to the table, working with a wide range of materials and machines,” he says.
As the custom injection moulding industry is constantly growing and transforming, T&T is there to look beyond today’s requirements and meet the technological and environmental needs of tomorrow.
During the pandemic, the company made a significant capital investment, purchasing three electric Shibaura machines to support the growing demand for medical products,” Tautrims explains. “While some businesses were shut down during the pandemic, our customers’ needs required us to operate 24/7.”
T&T also sees potential growth in the medical device sector due to the aging North American population. “We’re adjusting our business to accommodate what we believe will be a surge in demand for medical devices,” he says. We see very little competition in the medical arena.”
In addition to expanding its manufacturing capabilities, T&T is exploring the use of plant-based resins, a relatively new trend in the industry. “We’ve worked with Pounds of Plastic and have prototyped with organic resins,” says Tautrims. “As consumer demand for environmentally friendly materials increases, we anticipate this will become a larger segment of the market.”
A focus on sustainability
T&T is also exploring the use of organic fillers, which present challenges like burning at high temperatures. “Cellulose fibres burn at 451 degrees Fahrenheit, so we require special equipment. Special care in dehumidification and precise temperature control is the challenge with organic fibres,” Tautrims explains.
In the face of these challenges, T&T continues to grow and innovate, remaining a responsive and creative supplier of high-quality, large-volume items. “We believe in transparency when doing business, and provide our customers with the assurance and knowledge that our partnership is critically important,” says Tautrims. “When you work with us, you can trust that we’ll focus on your individual needs and adapt to changes in production requirements as needed.”
T&T Custom Injection Moulding’s journey is a testament to its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. For 35 years, the company has navigated industry challenges, embraced cutting-edge technology, and maintained a focus on sustainability and responsiveness. As it looks to the future, T&T remains dedicated to adapting to evolving market demands while staying true to its Canadian roots and family values.
