Pentagon
L-R: John Horspool - Group Tooling Manager, Pentagon Plastics, Robin Rapley - Commercial Director, Phoenix, Paul Edwards - Group Managing Director, Pentagon Plastics.
Horsham-based injection moulder, Pentagon Plastics, has acquired neighbouring toolmaking firm, Phoenix Engineering 2009 Ltd (formerly Punctual Precision) for an undisclosed sum.
Phoenix, which specialises in the manufacture, service and repair of tooling for caps and closures and boasts an annual turnover of £1million, will now operate under the umbrella of the Pentagon Plastics brand.
The companies have worked together since late 2015, when Pentagon started sub-contracting grinding and wire eroding work to Phoenix and providing CNC milling services in return.
Pentagon says the opportunities to expand its engineering skill set, as well as its exisitng tooling activities were the main areas of interest for the takeover.
“Phoenix utilises a wide range of equipment that will be of benefit to Pentagon’s tool making activities opening doors of opportunity going forward. This coupled with the proximity of Phoenix to Pentagon made for a very attractive opportunity,” explained Paul Edwards, Pentagon Plastics’ Managing Director.
“The quality of work and commitment of staff has always been second to none which gives confidence that the level of customer service provided by Phoenix will mirror the high standards of Pentagon.”
Investment and Intention
Pentagon says Phoenix’ in-house tool design team and mould trial facility complements its recent investments in its tooling department, including the recruitment of a new Tooling Manager.
“We believe that with suitable investment Phoenix can take a larger market share and further develop its services into the caps and closures market, as well as providing sub-contract tooling activities to a wider customer base,” continued Edwards.
“This is a very exciting move ensuring the long term future for the highly skilled work-force and will allow the company to flourish.”
Robin Rapley, Phoenix Commercial Manager added: “Everyone at Phoenix is delighted with the tie up and therefore at the prospect of working closely with Pentagon. We believe that together we can improve on the service that we offer both our sets of customers and, with the investment Paul is proposing, also improve on our efficiency in the production of our mould tools and insert work. I personally believe this is a fantastic fit for both companies and I am looking forward to working with Paul, John and all Pentagon’s staff. “