Icon Plastics makes £200,000 investment in new machinery and robotics

Precision plastic injection moulder, Icon Plastics, has expanded its workforce and capabilities following a £200,000 investment in high-tech equipment to meet the demands of a growing client base.

The latest investment by the Tees Valley business has seen the installation of two state-of-the-art Negri Bossi Canbio ST machines, bringing the total number of plastic injection moulding machines at the Eaglescliffe site to 27.

The new machines use robotics-based technology and computer design to produce plastic components for use in industries including medical, construction, defence and automotive fields.

“This latest investment is part of our continued strategy to develop and expand our business offering to maintain our position at the forefront of the industry,” commented Icon Plastics, Managing Director, Gareth Thomas.

The investment has seen the company recruit additional staff, bringing the total overall to 56, including the appointment of a new operations manager and three line operators.

Operations Director, Phil Walker, said: “Over the last 12 months, we have invested more than £400,000 so that we can continue accommodate our recent contract wins.

“The new Negri Bossi machines are a major upgrade for Icon. They are more accurate and efficient than our previous machines thanks to their synchronous motors, technology more often seen in industrial robots. This means we are more productive than ever, allowing us to increase our client base, expand our workforce and future-proof the business.”