Interplas welcomes upturn in polymer industry

Ian Crawford, Exhibition Director, of Interplas has been welcoming the reports of a continued upturn in the UK manufacturing industry*. Commenting on the figures published on the 1st July – Ian said “Our industry has dusted itself down and comeback out ready for a challenge after a period of three or four years of dramatic change.”

“Specifically I’m talking about companies like Krauss Maffei who have just posted an 18% increase in machinery sales and Sandretto UK who have reported record sales in the first quarter of this year. Other highlights that I’ve read and heard about have included news from Engel who are launching their new all electric tie bar machine at K2004 whilst European suppliers of injection moulding machines push their all-electric technology.

Demag Hamilton are celebrating because they’ve had their largest single order for a number of years from client Jaycare who are making their first investment in new injection moulding machinery for years. Whilst German company, Gemplas are moving jobs to the UK for the production of their smart cards and Multi Media Wales, have purchased six Netstall machines to manufacture DVD’s at their new facility in Wales. Fastplas Technical Mouldings is doubling its staff and floor space after receiving substantial new orders from LEC refrigeration.

The good news is throughout the industry materials companies such as Dupont have reported an increase of almost 9% in engineering polymers in Western Europe and Victrex the manufacturers of engineering polymers are investing £4million in a new compounding facility.”

Crawford went on to say, “It’s clear that the green shoots of recovery have sprouted and I hope that we can now see a leaner and fitter industry gaining strength from a period of sustained growth. Interplas, which will take place in the third quarter of 2005 is perfectly timed to provide a showcase that will generate leads and business for the exhibitors and the opportunity for visitors to the show to see the latest products and services available in the UK.”

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