New company provides consultancy alongside distribution in UK and Ireland

A new consultancy that takes a fresh approach to advising and supporting manufacturers in some of the key plastics sectors has been launched by one of the industry’s best-known senior executives.

Plastech Solutions is providing a one-stop-shop service to businesses in the plastics industry’s medical, technical and packaging sectors throughout the UK and Ireland, helping them to identify and source the most cost-effective production solutions, from single items of equipment to complete end-to-end production systems.

It works closely with manufacturers, carrying out detailed cost analysis and agreeing with clients on the appropriate specification. Following delivery It handles installation, commissioning and training, as well as providing ongoing maintenance and service.

The new consultancy is working hand-in-hand with four of the industry’s leading suppliers, having been appointed exclusively to represent Kebo, Singulus Technologies, BFA Solutions and Ilsemann Automation in the UK and Irish markets. When necessary Plastech Solutions will also source other specialist items, depending on a customer’s specific application or requirements.

The new venture is the brainchild of Stephen Rundle, whose departure from United Closures & Plastics in September last year led to speculation in the industry about his future plans.

He said: “I know from having worked in-house in the industry at a senior level for many years that there is a serious skills gap, with a lack of knowledge about which pieces of equipment to specify to achieve the optimum production system.

“Also, if there is a problem with the system the end user often has to go back to several suppliers to get it sorted out. Obviously this has cost implications, not least because of lost production time.

“Plastech Solutions will fill that skills gap for its clients, avoiding those problems and finding the solutions which best suit specific applications, with the aim of achieving optimum OEE.”

Stephen Rundle has more than 25 years’ experience with some of the biggest names in the plastics industry. His career has taken him through a range of sectors, including automotive, technical, medical, packaging, and caps and closures. It started In the 1980s, when he was an apprentice with Ekco Plastics, one of the Linpac Group’s largest sites, supplying the automotive sector. His most recent in-house role was as vice-president of United Closures & Plastics, part of the Global Closure Systems group, the largest supplier of caps and closures in Europe.

He added: “ I felt there was a need for a new kind of consultancy, one which can help managers to identify their requirements more accurately, carry out effective cost analysis and source the most appropriate equipment.

“Our aim is to bridge the gap between equipment manufacturers and end-users. With companies needing to cut operating costs and increase efficiency, it is essential that managers have a good understanding of which equipment will fit in best with their existing systems. They also need to know how to optimise performance once it has been installed. We are well placed to help them achieve those objectives.

“I am very excited to be working with such top-of-the-range brands. They were all carefully selected, and they are the cream of manufacturers for those sectors of the industry that I am working with. I am proud to be representing them.”

Gerold Keller, Managing Director of Kebo AG, said: “Stephen is one of the most experienced individuals in the UK and Ireland plastics markets. His extensive knowledge in manufacturing, and his understanding of how to produce parts at the best ‘piece price’ will bring a fresh and unique approach to the sale of capital equipment.

“This background, along with Stephen’s professional approach, will command respect and attention from industry colleagues. It is a perfect fit for KEBO AG and matches our global strategy on how best to serve the market.

“We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Stephen, and Plastech Solutions Limited.”

Nigel Baker, Managing Director of BMB Plastics Machinery Ltd (UK & Ireland) added: “Having worked with Stephen for many years in the plastics industry I was delighted to learn that Plastech Solutions has been established, providing a professional service to the market.

“The products that are represented in the Plastech portfolio are market leaders and it will be a pleasure to work with Stephen to align BMB injection moulding machines for system solutions.

“I am confident that the industry will benefit from the services of Plastech Solutions and I look forward to working on projects with Stephen in the near future."