Transfer of the AlphaGary performance polymer compounding operations to its new custom-built premises (Beler Way, Leicester Road Industrial Estate, GB-Melton Mowbray LE7 4UD) will be finalised during the next two to three months. The new facility represents an investment of GBP 15.3m, by parent company Laporte, and employs some 90 staff.

The Melton Mowbray manufacturing operations are largely directed at production of thermoplastic rubber and PVC compounds for six distinct industries: wire and cable, medical devices, automotive, regulated packaging, consumer performance and footwear. An estimated one-third of output is destined for regulated medical products. Sales destinations cover Europe, the Far East and the Africas. Major customers include companies such as Coca Cola, Rover, 3M, Lego and Nissan. When the move to the site is completed, AlphaGary will have doubled its UK capacity. An ultimate trebling of capacity is planned.

Melton Mowbray, which has achieved ISO 9001 certification, is one of five AlphaGary compounding operations. Three of the others are in the US and one in Canada. They all operate within Laporte´s Compounds and Electronics Division, which accounted for 29% of Laporte´s GBP 830m sales in 1998 and generated 30% of the pre-tax profits of GBP 134m.