As SmartShield Packaging celebrates 21 years in Canada, we’re taking a look back at how far the company has come - from a small family venture to a trusted name in precision packaging for medical, defense, aerospace, robotics and industrial sectors in North America.
Behind our company’s journey is a story of family, innovation, and steady growth, led by our founder and president, Nigel Botterill.
His vision shaped SmartShield from its earliest roots as a transport company called Crown Transport in the UK, to today’s respected Canadian operation.
We sat down with Nigel to reflect on SmartShield’s 21-year journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what continues to drive him and the team forward.
I was spending long hours away from home, my wife and family - there were a lot of early mornings. I needed a major change and I had a big interest in packaging through what I’d learned while transporting other people’s goods.
Crown Transport, 1985-1992
Nigel and his three sons, Craig, Sam and Ashley
Cleanpac Packaging UK, 1992-2004
As more and more of the family joined once they were out of school there was an influx of fresh ideas and passion - and the business continued to grow. The largest factor to growth was doing our own manufacturing and buying out other businesses.
Trying to sell larger packaging equipment was very different in Canada to the UK; we had to make a significant marketing change. We also found that although we spoke the same language there were a lot of differences in the use of vocabulary; there were times that we were misunderstood or misinterpreted by customers and suppliers.
2004, Where SmartShield Packaging began, Cleanpac Packaging Canada - Cambridge On
We included more in the management team. People that were ahead of us and wanted to secure a good position in the company.
The rebrand from Cleanpac Canada to SmartShield Packaging really came from a business consultant. He didn’t suggest names etc - that came from our team - but he gave us the clues and tools to do it.
It was a major milestone for the company, as we also moved to a larger business property allowing us to expand our custom packaging capabilities and increase production.
By reiterating it again and again, and getting the whole team enthused by the culture, and taking pride in their work.
The fact we have the certs really gives the customer the confidence that we do what we say we can do. As the project goes from design, to production, then on to quality inspection on completion, to delivery, no staff member wants to let another down. They realise the standard has to be maintained throughout any transaction.
The foam densifier obviously reduces the amount of waste foam from our production, as once densified it is sold for reuse, but we are also constantly looking for ways to assist clients in moving to more sustainable packaging. This involves not only using more environmentally friendly materials, but also providing more sustainable solutions using less packaging or reusable materials. Our product range is also continuously evolving as more sustainable materials come to the market.
By watching the markets and the trends as to what is important and what is not - to maintain a high level of customer service you need to make investments before suffering from inefficiencies. You have to keep innovating, not stand still hoping things will stay the same - they won’t.
By having a team that understands where the company is going, and doing all we can to keep their trust and full support in every move. You have to take your team with you.
Without the team we wouldn’t be where we are today. It’s amazing to be able to provide for others as well as my family, while also seeing results from hard work and trust – you know things will get done well if staff are committed, and I think they are.
We try to keep contact with our team members in a personal way as often as possible.
Making sure it’s ‘Right every time’ – for the staff and the customers.
Nigel: “This is not really a question for me as the past six years my health has been an issue - BUT - I love to go and support the team when possible. They know the situation and they support me still, I love to see everyone happy at their job.
Nigel at the grill!
Whatever your livelihood is, be who you are and do the best you can every single day. I used to love getting deliveries to people early, before they were expecting it [to] see the smile on their faces. If your start time is 7:00am – be there by 6:45am – every day!
Be with family, friends and those who help build you up - a glass of Irish whisky always goes a long way too!
After more than two decades in Canada, SmartShield’s president Nigel’s passion for people, quality, and innovation continues to define our company’s identity. His words reflect not only the company’s evolution but the values that have guided it from day one: family, trust, precision, pride - and always aiming to make customers smile.
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