Rutland Plastics Wins Processor of the Year Award
Injection moulder Rutland Plastics has many reasons to celebrate; not only does it turn 65 this year, but it has won a prestigious Plastics Industry Award for Processor of the Year.
Launched in 2001 and held annually in London, the Plastics Industry Awards are dedicated to rewarding innovation and exceptional performance. This year marked the twentieth anniversary of the Plastic Industry Awards, held at The Waldorf Hilton and hosted by comedian Simon Evans.
The Processor of the Year Award, sponsored by ENGEL UK, recognises UK processors (manufacturers of finished components and products using plastics materials) who can demonstrate to the judges their overall excellence. The judges were looking for leading sustainable performances across several areas: business enterprise and growth, technical innovation, people development, manufacturing efficiency, customer relations and environmental concerns. In other words, the company needed to be an all-round world-class processor.
Rutland Plastics is always looking at ways of improving and innovating. It has customers from various industry sectors, including agricultural, construction, medical, utilities and more. As its customer base is so broad, it has to adapt with each customer, but one thing is the same – Rutland Plastics are experts in injection moulding solutions. Some customers have been with Rutland Plastics for decades, while some are just starting projects with the company.
Rutland Plastics has enjoyed steady, sustained growth over the years and has always considered reinvestment into the business its main priority. It has purchased three new moulding machines in 2021 and now has 31 machines on-site compared to 24 machines in 2008. This level of growth is reflected in the introduction of a dedicated weekend shift, and so, for the first time in the company’s history is now a 24/7 production operation.
Customer relationships are key, but Rutland Plastics would not be able to provide the service it does without excellent relationships with its suppliers. The relationships with its suppliers have been vital recently with the global polymer supply issues. Rutland Plastics says it is always open and honest with its suppliers and sees many of its suppliers as extensions of its offering to customers. Rutland adds that it has excellent relationships with its technical equipment suppliers.
In all business activities, Rutland Plastics gives consideration to its immediate community, the wider environment, and its natural resources. Rutland Plastics manages its production processes with careful concern for the environment and recognises that its sustainability efforts are one of continuous improvement. Rutland Plastics installed 900 (solar photovoltaics) PV panels on its new warehouse in 2016 and, since installation, has generated over 800,000kWh. In addition to generating its own renewable energy, in September 2020, Rutland switched supplier to one, ensuring that 100% of the electricity supplied to Rutland Plastics is backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin. The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its accreditation of Environmental Management ISO14001:2015.
Rutland Plastics believes that knowledge is the key to success, which extends to its commitment to education. The company has a strong link with many educational institutions. It is proud to have hosted ‘year in industry placement students’ from Loughborough University since the 1990s, many of whom Rutland has employed after graduation. Having a student working with the team brings benefits, not just for the students but also for the business, says Rutland Plastics. The students bring knowledge of the latest technology, trends and ideas from the world of academia to Rutland Plastics. The company provides experience in designing products across many sectors in a manufacturing setting. The students also learn to work with designers across the UK, Europe and The Far East. Rutland Plastics’ shared experiences over the years have helped develop a real-life link between great design and real-life manufacturing.
Rutland Plastics is 65 years old this year – it certainly looks different today from when the company first started out injection moulding back in 1956! Rutland Plastics has grown significantly over the years with new facilities, more employees and more customers. However, it is still a family business with the third generation now in charge and still based in Oakham in Rutland. Above all, it has retained a steadfast dedication to re-investment, education and the community.
Rutland Plastics says it is incredibly grateful to have been recognised as Processor of the Year, but without the hard work and commitment of everyone at Rutland Plastics, it would not have been possible.
To find out more about Rutland Plastics or to contact the team, please use the details below, or visit https://www.rutlandplastics.co.uk/. Click here to read more news from Rutland Plastics.
Congratulations, Rutland Plastics!
Rutland Plastics
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