MANCHESTER, ENGLAND — British Vita plc has merged two of its compounding operations, creating the largest PVC compounder in the United Kingdom and a significant player in the European Union region.
Vitapol of Manchester and Doeflex Vinyl Ltd. in Swindon, England, will form Doeflex-Vitapol. The new firm will continue operations from two sites, said Manchester-based British Vita.
The parent firm said the combination will expand the units' product offerings, and will ensure faster response times and more flexible and efficient customer service.
"This move shows the commitment of British Vita to the PVC compound business at a time when many of our competitors are contemplating their future," said David Outen, formerly Doeflex Vinyl's business manager, who will head the new venture. "I believe that we are now well-positioned to continue our growth, not only in the [United Kingdom] but also in exports."
The merged firms employ about 200 and process more than 132 million pounds yearly.
Vita, which also makes plastic sheet, specialty foams and fibers, acquired Doeflex Vinyl in 1998, as part of its purchase of Redhill, England-based Doeflex plc, Britain's largest sheet manufacturer.
Doeflex currently makes about 88 million pounds of PVC compounds annually.
