About Plastic Engineering Solutions and Their Market Reach
Plastic Engineering Solutions specialises in injection moulding, a manufacturing process where molten material is injected into a mould cavity to create a specific shape. It works with clients across a range of sectors including:
- Construction
- Pharmaceuticals
- Homeware
- Electrical vehicle (EV) charging systems
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm also played a huge role in manufacturing coronavirus tests, creating up to 4 million tests a week.
Innovative Support and Ambitious Growth Plans
An innovation-focused business, Plastic Engineering Solutions is one of 40 manufacturers working alongside Innovate UK, a government-backed innovation agency that aims to support and scale SMEs. Since working with Innovate UK, the business has outlined an ambitious plan to target 30% growth over the next 12 months.
As part of these growth ambitions, Plastic Engineering Solutions is committed to operating as sustainably as possible. It intends to reduce its overall energy consumption by 10% year-on-year for the next three years, as it gears up to achieve net zero ahead of the government’s 2050 zero emissions targets.
Investment in Sustainable Facilities and Energy
As part of their green strategy the firm has worked with Lloyds to unlock £500,000 in funding to purchase a new, more sustainable manufacturing unit to operate from. The building is located on Bowerhill Industrial Estate, Melksham and is equipped with a 55kw solar energy system that is set to generate 45,000kWh of electricity each year — almost 10% of the business's entire usage.
The new facility is expected to help save the firm up to £15,000 in energy bills each year.
Green Finance and EV Charging Infrastructure
The new, EPC A rated building was purchased through the Lloyds Green Finance fund, which offers discounted lending to assist with sustainability goals. The discounted lending has also allowed the firm to:
- Purchase and install two EV chargers on site
- Power their fleet of EVs directly from energy generated by solar panels
Plans to Reinvest Savings into Team Expansion
Plastic Engineering Solutions intends to utilise the cost-savings made from the solar panels to invest in its 40-strong team, hiring three new colleagues in the coming months. The uptick in staff will help the firm drive growth.
Leadership Perspectives on Sustainability and Growth
Jonathan McFarlane, Managing Director of Plastic Engineering Solutions, said:
“Our new building marks a huge step for the business as we prioritise reducing our carbon footprint and driving sustainable growth.
“The support we have received from Lloyds has been instrumental to helping us to reduce our energy output. Not only is the new site fully equipped to generate renewable, clean energy, logistically its location improves the business’ efficiency and reduces vehicle miles when transporting our products.
“The Lloyds Green Financing fund has already allowed us to make significant savings which we were able to repurpose straight back into the business by purchasing EV chargers.”
Will Kite, Relationship Director at Lloyds, added: “Plastic Engineering Solutions is a fantastic example of a firm that is committed to driving growth by reducing its carbon footprint. From its products and materials to energy usage — the business has prioritised ensuring its operations run as sustainably as possible.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Plastic Engineering Solutions carbon neutral journey and will continue to support them to reach their goals.”
