In 1969, exactly 55 years ago, mankind accomplished what was at the time an almost unthinkable feat. It would be the first time in history, that man stepped foot on the moon! It is amazing to note that in that same year, the AP Scott Trinidad Group of Companies started their own remarkable journey from humble beginnings to where they are today.
“It is not often that a third-generation family business turns 55.”
It is noteworthy that the business was co-founded and run for many years by a woman with no formal business education, but with all the personal attributes needed for success.
The business was started by Mrs. Germaine Scott, fondly referred to as ‘Mrs.’ and her late husband Mr. Anthony Scott (Tony) from their Maracas Valley home two months before the Black Power revolution of 1970. At the time, they were the only two employees. Germaine recalls juggling her five young children, including a newborn, while performing all administrative duties, surrounded by boxes of product stacked high in her living room.
During this time Tony managed sales and deliveries from their mortgaged van. The business began to grow steadily and competed for distribution rights for a variety of products. Some of the early brands included Studio Girl cosmetics, steel, lumber, Twyford sanitary ware, food products and many more. The business eventually secured the distribution rights for global direct-selling cosmetics company, Avon.
Germaine invested steadily in commercial property, which forms a large part of the AP Scott Trinidad group of companies today. She acquired several near-derelict buildings at the corner of Park and St. Vincent Streets which were soon transformed to the tallest building on Park Street, Park Plaza Ltd, in 1979. At that time, Tony was instrumental in developing the project. The property next door eventually became available and she insisted on expanding the corner. As the de facto building manager of Park Plaza, Germaine was able to attract rentals from prestigious lawyers like our first President Sir Ellis Clarke, former President Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, Teddy Guerra, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Hector McLean, Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, and current Member of Parliament the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds. The management of these and other tenants provided a real educational experience for her and the tools to grow both personally and professionally. Eventually, she built enough of a reputation to attract tenants who leased entire floors.
“Germaine was able to save the building during the most serious economic downturn. ”
After Tony’s death in 1991, Germaine was able to save the building during the most serious economic downturn. She is grateful for the guidance offered to her by industry titans like Sidney Knox and Ronald Harford. As a woman in business, this type of support is rare. Fortunately, around that time, the Scott children- Gregory (the eldest and first to join the family business), Bernadette,Danny, Jonathan and Graham - began working to revive faltering sales and expand the company’s footprint.
In 2001, AP Scott Trinidad Limited moved from Henry Street P.O.S. to their current location at Don Miguel Extension Road, San Juan. Occupying over six acres of land with highway frontage and over 150,000 square feet of combined office and warehouse space, they are ideally poised for future opportunities. AP Scott Trinidad Limited’s current portfolio includes ten divisions: Food, Packaging, Professional Care, Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Hardware, Paints & Coatings, Housing Manufacturing, GNC and Agri Division. As a sign of their continued confidence in the future, their most recent expansion has been Steel-Framed Engineered Solutions Ltd, a state-ofthe-art manufacturing facility for pre-engineered, cold-formed steel commercial
“...they are especially thankful for what has been by far their most valuable asset over the years...”
In recent years, Germaine has been able to surrender daily operations to her children and grandchildren and has assumed the chairmanship of the group. As AP Scott Trinidad Limited looks back on over 50 years of business, they are especially thankful for what has been by far their most valuable asset over the years, their unbelievably dedicated and loyal employees. They recognize and appreciate so many who have gone way beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of the organization, through the good times and especially through the challenging times. They especially want to remember the efforts of those who were with them in the early years when their contribution was priceless. Finally, they continue to be confident in the future and that they are in safe hands with the present crop of vibrant and progressive employees at the heart of the company.
AP Scott Trinidad Limited is a multifaceted Marketing and Distribution powerhouse, dedicated to delivering excellence in every aspect of its operations. With a comprehensive portfolio of quality and innovative products, the company caters to the diverse needs of over 3000 customers.
Among its key strengths are two dominant entities: the retail distribution arm, which strategically targets traditional channels, and the Steel Frame structure Division, renowned for pioneering innovative housing solutions.
Organized into ten distinct divisions encompassing Food, Packaging, Professional Care, Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Hardware, Paints & Coatings, Housing Manufacturing, GNC and Agri Division. AP Scott Trinidad Limited stands as a beacon of versatility and reliability in the marketplace with Strength and Stability.
“ To be the top provider of innovative products and services that improve the quality of life within an environment that creates passion, commitment, personal responsibility, and development.”
- Leveraging over 50 years of market experience
- Offering diversified business portfolios
- Expertly mastering distribution to serve over 3000 local customers
- Serving as a proud distributor for renowned brands across all portfolios
- Cultivating excellent business relationships with external suppliers and agencies
- Holding dominance in real estate within prime local geographic locations
- Extending regional distribution across multiple Caribbean islands
- Boasting a managerial team with over 30 years of collective experience in Marketing, Finance, and Distribution
- Employing a competent workforce of over 200 dedicated employees with a low turnover rate
- Operating seven retail GNC Stores strategically located across Trinidad and Tobago
- Embodying flexibility, dynamism, innovation, and a customer-focused approach in all business endeavors
AP Scott Trinidad Limited boasts state-of-the-art business facilities designed to optimize efficiency and enhance customer service.
At its conveniently located main office, the company orchestrates its operations with precision, ensuring seamless coordination across all departments. Complementing this hub of activity is an expansive, airconditioned warehouse facility spanning an impressive 26,000 square feet. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a soon-to-be-implemented WMS system, the warehouse streamlines inventory management and facilitates prompt order fulfillment.
Additionally, the company leverages a fully integrated ERP System, further enhancing its ability to meet customer demands with agility and accuracy. Through these modern facilities and innovative solutions, AP Scott Trinidad Limited continues to set industry benchmarks for excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Secure Storage and Efficient Handling of Products
• Joint Forecasting with Principals
• In-House Customs Department for Efficient Receipt of All Shipments
• Joint Funding with Suppliers for Market Research, Advertising, and Promotions
• Market Coverage and Account Penetration
• In-House Graphic Design Team
• Flexible Account Terms with Customers
• Relaunch of Website
• E-commerce and Online Purchasing Integration
• Marketing & Sales Department
• Accounting Department
• Graphic Designing & Social Media Management Department
• Information Technology Department
• Laboratory Testing Facility for Agri Division
• Warehouse Delivery Services
