HCT Group is known for its innovative packaging, quick turnkey deliveries and collaborative efforts with both indie and global brands. Here, Beauty Packaging’s editor Jamie Matusow asks Tim Thorpe, president HCT Group, about the unique way in which the company operates, and what’s in the pipeline for 2015 and beyond.

Jamie Matusow: Please provide a brief description of HCT Group’s capabilities.

Tim Thorpe: HCT started primarily as a plastic packaging supplier, but now includes six divisions, each of which focuses on a different area of our industry. We are a full service manufacturer of plastic, cardboard and metal packaging; brushes; injection molded ZAMAC, including our patented Cooling Tip Technology, metal stamping and electroplating; airless systems; point of sale; and complete turnkey services from formula creation to regulatory documentation.

JM: What are the advantages to being a privately owned company?

TT: It enables me to make business decisions that are instinctive rather than financially driven.

JM: What changes have you brought since taking the reins from your father in 2013?

TT: Chris Thorpe was a pioneer of innovation in the cosmetic industry. I have only tried to continue his legacy. Although I have added more divisions since becoming president, I still ask his advice whenever we chat. Chris is the kind of guy who speaks to everybody in the company and he was always available to anyone. This gave HCT an atmosphere that is very personal. I try very hard to maintain this open-door policy as it grows.

JM: Is there a particular forte HCT holds as a beauty industry supplier?

TT: HCT is most known for its innovation and superior customer service. I believe that we’re extremely successful in these areas and many brands have come to depend on us. In recent years HCT has been able to support our clients in nearly every aspect of their business, from packaging and product development to logistics and brand management. At the heart of our services is cutting edge innovation in component design, as well as product formulation. Customer service is an essential part of the process. When dealing with innovative ideas, it helps that HCT can provide experts at a moment’s notice to advise. The current market is so fast-paced and the consumer is discerning and well advised thanks to blogs, reviews and social media, that just having clever marketing is not enough. Products need to be new, interesting and relevant and they need to hit the market as quickly as possible. The HCT teams work very closely with each brand to launch. Having a collaborative relationship to achieve this is essential. Traditional brand development processes have to change in order to achieve this.

JM: What about turnkey services? Has this become an HCT specialty?

TT: Definitely. This is an ever-expanding division of HCT and we’re currently providing products from Japan, Italy, the U.S., Korea, China, depending on the needs of our customers. As we move further into 2015, I plan to expand HCT Beauty. Simultaneously developing original formula in a unique package makes the process much more efficient and allows the customer to move forward more easily.

JM: What are one or two of your most innovative and challenging packaging projects?

TT: Urban Decay Naked on the Run, for one—and the Marc Jacobs Collection.The Naked palettes have been such a huge success. They’re classy, cutting edge and were the trendsetters for nude palettes. The Marc Jacobs line is an instant classic and an inspired range.

JM: What would Beauty Packaging readers be surprised to learn about HCT?

TT: How many bestselling and award-winning products were supplied by HCT in our history. How personal we are. There’s a big family atmosphere at HCT and it is a company that is driven by innovation and fun.

JM: What’s in the pipeline for HCT?

TT: There are plans to build more factories, with considerations in Europe, U.S. and Asia. I hope that HCT will top $500M in turnover within the next few years excluding acquisitions.

JM: Anything else our readers would want to know about HCT?

TT: It’s great to work with brands that respect our abilities and utilize our strengths for their success. In some ways, we feel a part of that success. There is often friendly competition within the company to see who works on the next bestseller. There isn’t a person in the company who doesn’t check the reviews for the products they’ve worked on.

The market has changed so much. Some companies are stuck in the old ways of approaching this ever-changing business. It’s unfortunate when I see great brands continue to miss the target, but if you’re taking up to two years to bring your product to market, this may well be the consequence. It’s a fashion industry driven by trends after all. •