Transforming Telford

Visitors and exhibitors turned out in force to attend this year’s Plastics Design and Moulding (PDM) 2008 exhibition, held for the third year running at the International Centre, Telford.

The exhibition was a hub of activity, attracting almost 3,000 delegates over the three day conference.

Delegates were introduced to the latest product developments as well as the opportunity to gain top tips from experts during breakfast briefings and free training workshops. Topics covered included mould design, advanced processing as well as design tools and processes.

PDM event director Steve Crowhurst said: “This year’s event was a great success. We had an extremely high calibre of exhibitors from across the polymer supply chain and attendees were mainly senior management with a genuine interest in progressing their businesses. The venue is in a superb location and we will be returning to Telford for PDM 2009 between the 19-21 May.”

It is only fitting that the town will play host for the fourth year in a row. Telford has been known as ‘plastics valley’ for over 20 years and is currently home to over 100 polymer-related companies, many of them leaders in their field.

Sarah Raper, chief executive of Transforming Telford, the economic development company for Telford and Wrekin, said: “Telford is the UK's polymer centre, recognised as a beacon for attracting leading edge companies in the industry. We are always keen to raise the profile of our local polymer companies through the Polymer Central brand, ensuring that Telford builds on and maintains its international reputation within the polymer sector.”

Geoff Gamage, business development executive of Maxell said: “PDM provided us with a great opportunity to announce to the polymer industry our focus on the moulding side of our business. Telford is the ideal environment for a polymer business to grow with a concentration of other polymer-related businesses presenting opportunities for development, collaboration and access to a strong local supply chain.

“It is also true to say that nowhere in the UK can match the specialist polymer business support that’s on our door-step from training providers Polymer Training Ltd, world leading polymer specialist organisation Smithers RAPRA, and the business improvement support organisation, Polymer Cluster.”

Businesses such as Protomold and Sirane are well established in the area and have shown their confidence in Telford as a location with recent expansions doubling the size of their operations here and additional expansion into overseas markets.

For more information on the polymer sector call Claire Freeman on 01952 567590 email polymers@transformingtelford.co.uk or visit our website www.transformingtelford.co.uk/sectors/polymer

ENDS

Picture: (l to r) Paul Hackney - Polymer Cluster, Andrew James - Smithers RAPRA and Sarah Raper, Transforming Telford.