Indeed, Merriott Talisman customers in primary group markets such as automotive, electrical, defence and air and fluid movement can now look forward to the many benefits that will flow from the new business which is expected to turnover in excess of £15m sales this year.

Moldworx began as a mold design and manufacturing operation and eventually grew into molding. Today, Moldworx operates 10 injection molding presses ranging from 55 to 400 tons. The mold-making division builds molds primarily for components for the drug delivery/pharmaceutical market. The molding division serves a variety of markets, including consumer, agriculture, and healthcare.

Taylor explained that Sunningdale has 18 manufacturing facilities in eight countries around the world, with a support office in Michigan. “This marks Sunningdale’s first expansion into the US,” said Taylor.

Until she retired in September 2021, Clare Goldsberry reported on the plastics industry for more than 30 years. In addition to the 10,000+ articles she has written, by her own estimation, she is the author of several books, including The Business of Injection Molding: How to succeed as a custom molder and Purchasing Injection Molds: A buyers guide. Goldsberry is a member of the Plastics Pioneers Association. She reflected on her long career in "Time to Say Good-Bye."

The new grouping will be led by Shaun Champion of Talisman and Andrew Lawrence, Merriott Plastics. Lawrence said: "We are truly delighted to announce this historic merger; bringing both these industry names together in the service of our customers and for UK manufacturing - while also honouring the legacy tradition that has brought us together."

Changing times, however, require a dynamic response to business that builds on tradition: Shaun Champion Talisman Plastics managing director notes that ‘growth at Talisman in the last 5 years has seen us doubling our turnover and making major investments in people and equipment. This merger enables that rate of growth to continue – providing ‘win-win’ for us - but also great things for our customers, current and future.’

Jim Taylor, founder and owner of Moldworx LLC in Chandler, AZ, wasn’t particularly looking to sell the business he started 25 years ago, but when a good offer came along, he decided it was time. On Nov. 6, 2020, Singapore-based global precision plastics manufacturer Sunningdale Tech Ltd. completed the acquisition of Moldworx via its wholly owned subsidiary Sunningdale Tech Inc. in Michigan.

Two UK contract moulders – Merriott Plastics and Talisman – have just combined to create a multi-site, multi-competence business.

That legacy tradition is considerable: Talisman (known as LGG Charlesworth until 2018) is more than one hundred years old while Merriott Mouldings began production in the village of Merriott, Somerset in 1938 and ICM in Rochester, Kent in 1947. Each company is a member of the British Plastics Federation and has contributed greatly to the growth and culture of UK Plastics plc.

“The next big step to expansion requires a substantial amount of capital infusion. While we weren’t looking to sell, Sunningdale was looking for entry into the US market with a successful company that was aligned with their capabilities in the markets they serve,” said Taylor. “We’re looking forward to being part of the next phase of the continued growth of Moldworx.”

The newly expanded company will provide customers - particularly in the Midlands, South West and South East - with improved and local product development, manufacture, logistics and technical support.

Moldworx will retain the name as well as all 35 current employees, including Taylor, who is now Vice President and General Manager. His business partner, Joe Motyka, will stay on as Director of Operations. Sunningdale Tech employs approximately 8,000 people globally and operates more than 1,000 injection presses.

The joint technical moulding capacity from both companies provides machinery capability from 25 to 1,100 tonnes, including injection, compression and composite moulding services for products weighing from 5 grams to 10 kg.

Sunningdale builds injection molds for presses in the 10 to 1,800 ton range, primarily for the automotive, consumer, and healthcare markets. Film insert molding, liquid silicone rubber, stack molds, multi-shot, gas-assist, and molds for thin-wall, high-speed processes are specialties.

Andrew Lawrence remarked that the company is excited to be bringing together the wealth of expertise and knowledge that exists within its businesses, thus creating a formidable team.

Champion added: "Throughout the new company our key focus will always be about doing the right thing for our customers. Andrew and I therefore encourage all to call up, get in touch and put this  commitment to the test. We are also exhibiting at Plastics Live 2024, Coventry Arena, June 12-13, 2024 so please make a date to visit our stand then."