UK manufacturer of rubber granules ranked amongst UK’s top SME exporters

A Suffolk-based manufacturer of rubber granules has been recognised for its international success with a listing in the prestigious Sunday Times 'SME Export Track 100'.

Murfitts Industries was ranked among the UK’s top 100 small and medium enterprises (SME) which have grown their exports the fastest over the last two years.

The company manufactures rubber granules for use in artificial sports pitches, children’s playgrounds, carpet underlay, modified road asphalt and many other applications. Murfitts produces the granules from recycled vehicle tyres at its plant in Lakenheath, Suffolk, processing around 11 million car tyres each year.

The company has developed its own unique manufacturing processes, which it says have not only resulted in it being able to recycle 100 percent of every tyre, but also ensure that it produces granules of such high quality that they are in demand from the world’s biggest sports pitch companies.

The company exports to over 50 countries across five continents. Recent international projects which utilised Murfitts products include a new pitch for the Tokyo Dome baseball stadium, three fields at CEJU Youth Sports Center in Belem, Brazil (Part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Legacy) and the world famous Amsterdam Arena – home of Ajax Football club.

Closer to home, both Saracens and Newcastle Falcons rugby players run out on the company’s products at each home game, whilst London 2012 saw Murfitts rubber used for the shockpads underneath the hockey pitches.

Mark Murfitt, Founder and Managing Director of Murfitts Industries, said: “The recognition of our success in overseas markets is a testament to the hard work and skills of our staff in meeting the needs of customers around the world.  We have made significant investment in our plant and processes and are committed to leading the way in both effective recycling and high quality manufacture.  Our business is in the rare position of being able to completely remove a waste product from the refuse chain and create something of high value from it.”

The SME Export Track 100 league table is compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based networking events and research company, which champions the UK’s top-performing private companies and entrepreneurs.