A Century of Growth: Hardie Polymers’ Journey from Engineering Plastics to Industry Innovator

Founded in 1924 as J&G Hardie, Hardie Polymers, the UK-based polymer supplier, celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. Starting in the 1930s, Hardies became involved in the UK rubber industry through work as a Sales Agent for the Anchor Chemical Company. This foray into rubber would pave the way for its polymer-based future…

During the 1960s and 70s, Cycolac ABS was one of the earliest engineering plastics available, and Hardies was closely involved in supplying the material to Hoover for vacuum cleaners, NCR for cash register machines, and the Singer sewing machine company. By the 1990s, the business had evolved into a major distributor of injection moulding machines, with substantial growth driven by the rise of mobile phone manufacturing.

In early 2001, with the closure of one of Motorola’s manufacturing facilities, Hardie Polymers needed to pivot its strategy to survive. This led to a challenging period, but by focusing on polymer sales, the business expanded its customer base across the UK and has continued to thrive.

In 2021, Isy Ferguson, Managing Director, and Bartosz Komanski, Commercial Director, completed a management buyout backed by Nevis Capital LLP.

Isy Ferguson said: “2024 is a real milestone for us. We’ve built many longstanding, collaborative, customer relationships, and we’re proud to have supported so many vital industries throughout the years, and to still be a critical part of the supply chain today.

“As customer needs evolve, so too does our product portfolio. We’re continuously exploring new materials and applications, particularly those that support sustainability and energy efficiency. Our goal is to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry.”

Bartosz Komanski added: “Technology will be a driving force in shaping the future of the polymer industry. From advancements in material science to chemical recycling and more efficient manufacturing processes, we see technology enhancing our ability to deliver innovative solutions. We’re already embracing digital tools and smart technologies to improve customer service, optimise supply chains, and reduce our environmental footprint.”

Isy concluded: “As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we remain committed to innovation, integrity, and the responsible use of polymers – principles that will guide us into the next century. Whether it’s pioneering the use of new materials or expanding our product portfolio, we’ve always strived to combine technological advancement with responsible practices.”

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Hardie Polymers
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