Thermotec Plastics Ltd

THERMOTEC PLASTICS LTD. AND AUTINS GROUP ANNOUNCE NEW ALLIANCE

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 11/06/2015

Two Made in the Midlands members have announced today that they are working together to offer NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) solutions for off highway and automotive manufacturers.

Thermotec Plastics and AutinsGroup are launching their collective capabilities by exhibiting together in Stand A015at the Plastics Design & Moulding Event at the Telford International Exhibition Centre on the 16th and 17th of June, 2015.

The alliance has already produced asuccessful NVH product for one of Thermotecs OEM customers, with a current project in the works that includes collaborating to advance the use of Thermotec Plastics lightweight honeycomb board for The Autins Group in a high heat/NVH project.

To establish the effectiveness of Thermotec Plastics lightweight honeycomb board, extensive testing has been done to verify the NVH properties; this will be demonstrated at the show in Autins Groups innovative Mini Demonstration Vehicle.

"This is the second Alliance the Autins Group has embarked on, with the previous one running strongly in the USA we have great excitement at what can be achieved together with Thermotec here in the UK. Our products align together giving our respective customers a one stop shop for many of their components, said Jim Griffin, CEO, Autins Group.

I am pleased to be working with the team at Autins Group. Our complimentary processes and our close proximity allow us to work seamlessly, providing best-in-class solutions for our respective customers, stated Ian Thurman, Managing Director, Thermotec Plastics.

For more information about Thermotec Plastics, visit http://thermotecplastics.madeinthemidlands.com/

For more information about Autins Group, visit http://autoinsulations.madeinthemidlands.com/

Thermotec Plastics introduces new innovative and cost effective hybrid design solution for JLR project

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 10/05/2016

Thermotec Plastics Ltd. has just introduced a new crank tray for Jaguar Land Rover with an innovative hybrid design that utilises vacuum forming for flexibility and injection moulding for repeatability and robustness.

Based on the customers changing needs Thermotec, who specialises in vacuum formed parts, partnered with local injection moulding company Glendenning Plastics Ltd to develop a solution that future proofs design changes in customer components allowing the less expensive, vacuum form option to be removed and replaced, as an alternative to retooling and redesigning the expensive injection moulded element for subsequent parts.

The product is being used with a pick and place robotics with an integrated vision system which requires specific indicators for that system to recognize placement of parts. From paper concept to product has been just a 10 week process; and the timeframe for changes should be shortened to 5 Weeks. The whole project, from design to tooling and manufacturing has been done within a 50 mile radius in the Midlands.

We are really pleased with the cost effectiveness of this solution, said The Automation Engineer of Jaguar Land Rover. Thermotec Plastics gave us a great product and a long-term answer to an ongoing requirement that ensures we meet our manufacturing goals with less tooling and faster turnaround when changes are needed.

This has been a great project to showcase what innovative thinking can do for our customers, stated Gary Hingley, Technical Sales Director, Thermotec Plastics. Its also a good indicator of the range of capabilities available within the Midlands to deliver excellent manufacturing solutions.

Thermotec Plastics creates new client offering through strategic partnership with WMG

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 31/07/2014

Birmingham based manufacturing company Thermotec Plastics are working with WMG to gather valuable data on the properties of a new material they have developed for a luxury auto manufacturer. Once the properties are identified, a number of new market opportunities for the company will be developed and the data will add further credibility to existing client relationships.

One of Thermotecs key clients, a luxury auto manufacturer had a specific requirement for performance related data for a new composite material that Thermotec were using to make their components. Thermotec were unable to get hold of the data themselves as the testing equipment required was investment prohibitive. Fortunately, managing director, David Rose identified that the relevant testing capabilities existed at WMG and through WMGs funded support programme for SMEs at the International Institute for Product and Service Innovation, they were able to access the facilities they needed free of charge. Access to the facilities was coupled with expert mentoring and guidance for how they might be able to conduct the testing themselves in the future.

Thermotec informed WMGs Dr Ben Wood of the client requirements and Ben developed a testing matrix to satisfy all of the known performance criteria. Testing is currently underway and once results are gathered, Thermotec will be able to demonstrate the capability of their products with meaningful, technical data that will be used by the customer on a £500K potential project. It will also allow Thermotec to target other clients with a potential spend expectation of £1M.

David Rose, managing director of Thermotec Plastics said:

We are delighted to be able to get access to equipment and capabilities that we just wouldnt be able to bring in-house. The team at WMG are extremely knowledgeable and helpful and other SMEs in the region should make use of the support programme they offer.

Dr Ben Wood, technology transfer specialist at WMG said:

Thermotec Plastics is an innovative forward thinking company and it has been great to help them with this specific materials challenge. We are offering materials health checks for SMEs across the West Midlands as well as support with new product development and other manufacturing challenges that businesses may have.

For more information about the support WMG offers to SMEs, visit: www.warwick.ac.uk/iipsi or call 02476 575 594.

Mayor of Walsall opens new Traineeships for Industry centre

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 31/07/2014

The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Pete Smith, has officially opened a new training centre in Walsall where Skills Training UK, a leading provider of training and apprenticeships, has launched Traineeships for Industry for 19-24 year-olds looking for careers in manufacturing, engineering, warehousing and logistics.

At the opening event on Tuesday 29^th July he met the first group of trainees at the centre in Bridge Street, Walsall, as well as representatives from local companies who are interested in taking on the young people, including Gerrymet and Thermotec Plastics.

The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Pete Smith, said: I congratulate the trainees who have joined this course, some of whom are from the area I grew up in Walsall and it wasnt easy. The escape route for me was education and training and I firmly believe that getting the right skills for modern day industry is arguably more important than academic qualifications. It turns empty minds into open minds with more choices, experiences and the ability to think forward.

Stephen Crawley, Skills Training UKs Director of Skills, said: Weve developed Traineeships for Industry because with the car industry growth theres a real appetite for engineering, warehousing and manufacturing companies to recruit young people. Weve had a fantastic response from local companies and over thirty work placement opportunities have already been offered.

The Traineeship for Industry is providing 10 weeks of classroom based training for trainees to learn about the industrial workplace environment and improve English and Maths skills before undertaking a six week work placement with a local employer. It includes gaining an accredited forklift licence, the BTEC Work Skills Award and Industrial Environmental Awareness Award.

Tim Willis from local business Gerrymet, which manufactures saw blades and tooling, said: Skills Training UK is really listening to what we want. Im looking to employ someone and the Traineeship will let me see the trainee work, see how keen they are. The most important thing is reliability and thats what Skills Training UK is drilling into the trainees.

David Rose from Thermotec Plastics which manufactures products for the Luxury Automotive market, said: Skills Training UK are effectively giving the trainee the skills to embark on a six week opportunity to experience working at Thermotec. This gives the trainee the chance to show us if they have what it takes to be part of our Team.

Stuart Parrish, age 23, who is amongst the first twenty trainees to start the course, said: The trainers have made the classroom teaching really interesting and Im learning a lot. My Maths has really improved and Ive got a high specification CV written.

Damian Williams, aged 20, from Walsall, who was recommended by the local Jobcentre Plus, said: I had difficult teenage years and was floating about but Im now determined to get into work.

Matthew Duckhouse, age 24, from Willenhall, said: I was applying for a lot of jobs but not getting anywhere. This course has already helped me a lot and is going to look good on my CV. Its going to boost my chances of getting employment.

Any employers interested in trialling a trainee through the Traineeship for Industry, or 19-24 year-olds looking to begin the course, should telephone Skills Training UK on 01922 703072 or 07792 787199 or email walsalltraineeships@skillstraininguk.com.

Skills Training UKs Walsall training centre is at Tameway Tower (4^th Floor), 48 Bridge Street, Walsall WS1 1JZ. See www.skillstraininguk.com.

Birmingham plastics manufacturer on form with innovation award

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 30/10/2014

Earlier this month a wealth of manufacturers from across the Midlands got together to celebrate the very best of industry achievement from the last 12 months.

The Made in the Midlands awards, now in its sixth year, gave recognition for investment, innovation, growth, export and diversity across the sector. Amongst this years winners was Birmingham based Thermotec Plastics.

Thermotec picked up the Manufacturing Achievement award for their innovative approach to new business, resulting in further work from an existing customer and creating a number of new market opportunities.

After one of their key clients, a luxury auto manufacturer, had a specific requirement for performance related data for a new composite material that Thermotec were using to make their components, Thermotec enlisted the help of WMG at the University of Warwick to gather valuable data on the properties of the material themselves.

Through WMGs funded support programme for SMEs at the International Institute for Product and Service Innovation, Thermotec were able to access the facilities they needed free of charge, including expert mentoring and guidance enabling the company to conduct the testing themselves going forward.

David Rose, managing director of Thermotec Plastics said: We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised for our achievement at the Made in the Midlands awards. The competition was tough, and its fantastic to be recognised for our efforts by such an influential organisation.

He continued: It has been a lot of hard work for the whole team here; we are now fully set up to offer this new material to new and existing customers, giving us the opportunity to win contracts that wouldnt have been possible before.

Dr Mark Swift, Head of SME Programmes at WMG said:

We were delighted to work with Thermotec Plastics on this materials project and the award win is testament to the hard work and innovative approach that David and his team have implemented over recent months. The SME team at WMG is set up to support SMEs with innovation challenges and to embed new thinking and technology into businesses to help them grow and compete.

Thermotec Plastics are bespoke suppliers of engineered solutions in vacuum forming and polyurethane mouldings, working across a variety of sectors including Automotive, Off- Highway and Military.

For further information Thermotec can be contacted on 0121 327 7800.

For more information on WMGs SME support programme visit www.warwick.ac.uk/iipsi or call 02476 574 299

THERMOTEC PLASTICS PIONEERS VACUUM FORMING AND COMPOSITE INNOVATION

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 21/11/2018

The UK’s manufacturing industry is well placed with companies’ mass producing high precision parts. However, there is an ever-increasing demand for cost-effective components in lower volumes, often at short lead-times.

Birmingham-based Thermotec Plastics, with its innovative approach to design and manufacturing is successfully responding to this industry challenge ensuring vacuum forming as a cost-effective alternative to injection molding.

Established in 1968, Thermotec Plastics is a privately-owned business employing 50 staff in its 45,000 sq/ft. premises close to Birmingham city centre. Finding innovative solutions to customer challenges has always been at the heart of Thermotec’s growth, however, its ability to claim tax refunds under the government's R&D Tax Incentive scheme, has created a wealth of benełts.

Managing Director Ian Thurman commented: “Finding innovative solutions to challenging problems has always been important, but the R&D tax credits scheme has accelerated developments, and encouraged us to look at more ambitious projects, where outcomes are uncertain.”

Through investing in continued research and development, Thermotec Plastics has been successful in identifying alternative processes and lighter materials, to manufacture components that are available in low volumes, cost-effectively. New and existing customers have benełtted from these developments and costs, in addition to the speed of delivery, which has proven to be signiłcantly shorter than sourcing the solution abroad.

Ian Thurman continued: “Our clients including leading luxury car manufacturers continually demand bespoke, cost-effective components, in low quantities. This combined with a need for strong, but lightweight components intensiłed our R&D focus and the successful development of our 3D honeycombed solution.”

Working with Mark Evans, from Made in the Midlands patron R&D Tax Credits, Thermotec Plastics has made successful R&D Tax Credit claims for8 years.

Ian Thurman concluded: “Our accountant was aware of the scheme however, they quickly recognised that R&D Tax Claims’ expertise in the manufacturing sector, combined with their knowledge of the HMRC scheme, made them better placed to ensure we got the maximum refund.

We’ve had eight successful claims so far. The process has been simple and easy with R&D Tax Claims providing everything we need to capture the relevant data, and pulling it together into the łnal report which they submit to the revenue.”

BBC approach Thermotec for budget analysis

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 25/03/2014

A leading Midlands manufacturer has made the news after an approach by the BBC for their views on the recent budget.

BBC Midlands Today business correspondent Peter Plisner interviewed David Rose, managing director of Thermotec Plastics Ltd, to get his take what the budget meant for his company and manufacturing in general.

There were several key changes that Mr Rose felt were key to making a positive difference to Thermotec. The Chancellor announced he was able to make savings to bills by cutting carbon tax from 2016/17 for the rest of the decade, stating that the measure will also help medium-sized manufacturers save £50,000 annually.

Mr Rose commented on how high energy prices have had big effects on business off-shoring and was glad to see a freeze on Carbon Tax: "With processes dependent on electricity at a spend of £12,000 per month, our energy bills have tripled in 10 years - we have lost out on European business because of this, and continue to do so."

Another announcement in the budget which was good news to Thermotec was the raise in annual investment allowance. This will aid their continued growth and maintain long term supply into major automotive OEMs.

The Chancellor made a step to improve Britains low productivity levels by reducing the taxes on business investment. Businesses will be able to invest up to £500,000 tax free until at least 2015. This move will have a major positive effect on Thermotec's planned machinery investment.

David Rose concluded: "We are a growing company and are actively investing which will benefit Aston and the surrounding areas, where with high unemployment and low skills are prevalent.

Although there is much focus on improving circumstances for individuals and families, we need further moves to help businesses further."

Thermotec Plastics Announces New Managing Director

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 30/04/2015

Thermotec Plastics, Ltd. has announced the appointment of Ian Thurman to the position of Managing Director. In addition to the this new appointment, the company expects further staff additions due to a combination of grant funding to increase the companys production capabilities and new, recently won contracts.

Thurman joined Thermotec in 2006 as Finance Director, he took on the added responsibility for Operations in 2013 and has been an integral part of the companys steady growth in recent years. In his new role as Managing Director, he is responsible for all aspects of the Birmingham business and will continue to oversee Finance.

Michael McDonough, Chairman, Thermotec Plastics comments, I am pleased that Ian Thurman has now stepped in to the position of Managing Director. He knows this business inside and out, and his strong leadership will ensure that our customers remain as they always have been our top priority.

Mr Thurman kicked off his new role by inviting over 30 fellow MDs from some of the regions top manufacturing and engineering firms to attend a breakfast networking event and factory tour. The event, organised with Made in the Midlands, allowed Ian to introduce himself and showcase the many capabilities that Thermotec Plastics has to offer within the sector.

Charles Addison, Chief Operating Officer, Made in the Midlands said: Its fantastic to hear of Ians appointment, and the factory tour gave a great insight into the offering of Thermotec Plastics which I know our members found extremely interesting. We look forward to working closely with Thermotec Plastics again in the near future.

Thermotec Plastics will be showcasing their services at the Made in the Midlands Manufacturing Exhibition on the 14th May at GTG Training & Conference Centre, Wolverhampton. Find them on Stand 9.

Photo from the Breakfast Club hosted by Thermotec Plastics. Charles Addison welcomes delegates and introduces Ian Thurman, Managing Director, Thermotec Plastics.

Thermotec press forward with new machine

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 20/01/2014

Birmingham based business Thermotec Plastics have invested in their business to assist them with developing lightweight and sustainable products for their customers needs.

Ready for 2014, they have purchased a 300 tonne capacity Hounsell Hydraulic Press to give them the manufacturing capacity to fulfil volume orders from their growing customer base in the Automotive, Aerospace, Coach and Bus industries.

Managing Director, David Rose said: "If we want to move forward as a business we have to invest in our plant and in our people. Manufacturers must lead the way if we want to see the economy continue to improve, so we have grasped the nettle by investing in this machine."

The innovative company works cross-sector from luxury prestige automotive to military seating systems and continue to maintain accreditation to TS16949, ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards.

Mr Rose concluded: "Thermotec recognise the benefits of these standards to the way we manage and develop our business. We have always been systems led, which greatly assists us with our continuous improvement activities.

To discover how Thermotec can help your business contact them on 0121 327 7800.

Thermotec Plastics, Ltd. Name Gary Hingley as New Technical Sales Director

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 14/05/2015

Thermotec Plastics, Ltd. announced the promotion of Gary Hingley to the role of Technical Sales Director. He will work alongside the Commercial Sales Director, Tony Mousley, who previously held both posts.

Gary Hingley joined Thermotec as Technical Sales Engineer in 2009 from ABCD Plastics Ltd and progressed to Technical Sales Manager in 2013. He has over 25 years of experience; his technical expertise is vacuum forming and PU moulding with an extensive background in tool making.

As Technical Sales Director, he is responsible for managing the product development and engineering requirements of the companys client base. Having successfully delivered a large scale project to enable automated load to line for the Jaguar diesel engines 3Cs, Hingley has recently secured the development for the same integrated tray system for the petrol engine derivative.

Gary Hingley has been a great asset to our team over the past few years and his technical understanding is impeccable, stated Michael McDonough, Chairman, Thermotec Plastics. I am happy that he has agreed to step into this leadership position in our organization, which will enable further growth and support for our customers.

Photograph: (L-R) Jon Shilling, Project Engineer, Gary Hingley, Technical Sales Director, and Ian Thurman, Managing Director at the Thermotec Plastics Booth at the Made in the Midlands Exhibition 2015

Thermotec Plastics win major new contract

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 20/05/2014

Birmingham based Thermotec plastics have recently won a 700K contract with an OEM building & construction company.

David Rose (MD) commented on the new order saying that We have invested in new machinery and have developed new materials and processes to offer to our new and current customers. This investment has been key in gaining new orders and this contract in particular utilises all of our current processes

Thermotec work with clients From receipt of design conception to real life application, advising on cost effective product solutions and recommending suitable materials and processing methods.

Thermotec accommodate Vacuum Formings up to 2.7 x 2.5 metres in size with a depth of draw of 1.0 metre. Polyurethane Mouldings (rigid, self skinning and cold cure) with low and high pressure Polyurethane machines, including RIM (Reaction Injection Moulding) are able to deliver from 25g to 60Kgs per minute, with various complimentary S-Rim presses.

To find out more about Thermotec visit them on stand 54 at The Made in the Midlands Expo 22nd May at Wolverhampton Race Course.

THERMOTEC PLASTICS ANNOUNCE ACQUISITION OF NEW MACHINERY TO SUPPORT INCREASED DEMAND AND NEW CONTRACTS

Thermotec Plastics Ltd — 17/04/2016

18 April 2016 Thermotec Plastics Ltd. today announced the addition of a seventh Vacuum

Forming Machine to their manufacturing capacity. This Cannon Shelley Machine features

the very latest PLC controls and has the ability to produce vac formings up to 2M x 1.4M

with a depth of 500mm. It signals continued investment in the companys future and

supports the increased demand for this size range of vacuum forming within the Midlands.

Purchasing the new equipment was necessary to support two new contracts recently won

from OEMs in Wolverhampton and Coventry and will enable Thermotec to support their

customers continued growth and success.

We are happy to announce our new Cannon Shelley and the increased manufacturing

capacity that it represents, stated Ian Thurman, Managing Director, Thermotec Plastics.

Investing in new technology is part of our business strategy and we are happy to be able to

report that this investment has paid off and will also support Thermotecs planned future

growth.

For additional information, please contact:

Ian Thurman

Ian.thurman@thermotecplastics.com

0121 327 7800