1980s
During the 1980s, business capacity and supplier relationships were developed, and the Company established a particularly strong position in the fluoroelastomer market. Quality accreditation was first achieved in 1987 to the BS5750 standard, and this was followed by a continuous improvement programme centred on the reduction of inter-batch variability of compounds. Recent years have seen further accreditations, to health and safety and environmental standards.
1990s
The 1990s saw continued expansion in the business: the introduction of a 2nd mixer line with automatic stripping and slabbing facilities; and a priority on business system improvements, including computer controlled weighing and scheduling throughout the factory.
200s
Since 2000, the technical department and laboratory facilities have been expanded substantially, with major investment in analytical equipment (TGA, and FTIR) for compound identification, and colour matching equipment. A separate unit has also been constructed to allow production of silicones, fluorosilicones and perfluoroelastomers under clean room conditions.
In 2012 the business started planning for the transition to the next generation. These plans came to fruition in 2018 when the business relocated to purpose built premises on the Wrexham Industrial Estate. With the owner’s son Ian Haywood employed as sales manager, under our professional MD, David O’Hare, the business is well placed to continue at the leading edge of rubber compound development for the years to come.
