Caps Cases, a thriving family-run packaging manufacturer, relies on robust IT infrastructure to ensure its advanced production machinery operates efficiently — without the overhead of an in-house IT team. Since partnering with ctm in 2016, the company has gained proactive support and futureproofing expertise that have been instrumental in its growth. From smooth daily operations to the integration of three new sites, ctm has helped Caps Cases scale with confidence.
“We value our partnership with ctm because they really understand our business and what’s important to us. Everything they recommend aligns with that. In some ways, they probably know our business better than we do.” Trevor Bisset, Managing Director
Founded in 1982, Caps Cases has expanded significantly in recent years. By 2016, the company had outgrown its former IT provider and needed expert support to continue operating and scaling efficiently.
“We reached a point where we couldn’t manage our IT infrastructure and strategy either in-house or with our previous, smaller provider,” explains Managing Director Trevor Bisset. Partnering with ctm provided the expertise and reliability they needed.
“ctm is essentially an extension of our company — it’s like having a satellite department. They provide specialist advice and hands-on support for IT infrastructure, systems and cybersecurity.” Nick Drury, Finance Director
After integrating three new companies, Caps Cases now operates four sites nationwide.
“ctm has been a key part of our growth strategy,” Trevor says. “One of the first things we do when looking at a new business is ask ctm to assess its IT setup and how it would integrate with ours. They’ve always been very helpful.”
Since partnering with ctm, Caps Cases has achieved a 50% turnover increase, supported by a robust IT foundation.
“ctm’s advice on IT infrastructure put us on a good footing to successfully expand over the last 8 years as we’ve acquired and integrated other businesses. That initial investment has definitely paid off.” Trevor Bisset, Managing Director
Caps Cases provides end-to-end services, from design to manufacture, for corrugated cardboard packaging and point-of-sale displays. Their operations rely on advanced machinery that requires strong, stable internet connections for remote troubleshooting by engineers, including those based overseas.
“A lot of our machinery is now digitally based. Having the right IT infrastructure and support in place is crucial so the business can run smoothly, particularly during our peak season when it’s a 24-hour operation,” says Nick Drury, Finance Director.
From integrating production equipment to enabling remote diagnostics, ctm ensures Caps Cases’ IT systems meet the demands of modern manufacturing.
“Every new machine needs external links for remote engineer access. ctm ensures that’s all set up before each machine arrives,” says Group Facilities Manager Dave Lockett.
Efficient site integration is essential for Caps Cases’ success. ctm designed and implemented a unified IT infrastructure, enabling centralised operations management and communication across all sites.
“It’s mission-critical that our four sites all talk to each other and work as one. ctm put the right IT structure in place to enable that.” Trevor Bisset, Managing Director
The centralised system allows real-time production data sharing, improving efficiency and cost management.
“We can flick between sites and see live data from each. Without that real-time information, we'd be floundering regularly,” Dave says. “It also helps with cost saving because we can spot small production gaps to fill with products from another site, keeping customers happy.”
Caps Cases values ctm’s strategic approach to IT infrastructure design and management, particularly when planning for new sites or machinery.
“ctm are 100% proactive,” says Trevor. “They listen to what we want then come back with a plan that is in keeping with where we want to go.”
“Probably the most valuable part of ctm’s support is the way they help us futureproof. We have regular review meetings to talk about what’s coming next, and I’ve always found their advice very helpful.” Trevor Bisset, Managing Director
With no in-house IT team, Caps Cases depends on ctm’s cost-effective expertise. They can access the knowledge and support they need while keeping costs manageable.
“ctm provide very good value for money,” says Nick. “An internal IT department doesn’t make financial sense for a business of our size. That's why it's crucial for us to have access to the broad range of expertise ctm offers, but not at a full-time cost.”
“We look for both value for money and good service in an external partner, and ctm scores highly in both areas. Their support is invaluable.” Nick Drury, Finance Director
During peak seasons, Caps Cases operates 24/7, relying on ctm’s quick, responsive support to keep production running smoothly, day and night.
“Sometimes I get calls at 6 am about production software issues. I call ctm and before I even get to work, they’ve fixed the problem,” Dave says.
“ctm’s service is second to none. Nine times out of ten, they fix problems within 20–30 minutes. Their out-of-hours service is a godsend.” Dave Lochhead, Group Facilities Director
The personalised customer service from ctm has been a standout feature of the partnership. “From the start, we got on very well with Rupert and the ctm team. They are very helpful, honest, and open,” says Trevor.
Over eight years, Caps Cases and ctm have built a trusted partnership that has enabled the company to grow and thrive. As Caps Cases’ operations become increasingly digital, the company looks forward to working with ctm to further enhance cybersecurity and futureproof their IT infrastructure.
“I would happily recommend ctm to similar businesses. They are a trustworthy, reliable partner who delivers the right solutions when we need them.” Trevor Bisset, Managing Director
