Warehouse expansion provides injection moulding options
31 January 2022
Tex Plastics Barnstaple facility has increased its warehouse capacity to meet the growing demands of plastic injection moulding.
"After what we have experienced in the last 18 months, it is more difficult than ever to make predictions. The pandemic, Brexit and resulting chaos has taught us how quickly things can change. Which is why we took the decision to invest in the additional warehousing space. Taking control of as much as we could, enabled us to give our customers as many options as possible to manage the uncertainties."
Justin Davies Managing Director of Tex Plastics
Plastic injection moulded medical devices, components and packaging
With extensive whiteroom moulding and expansion of its fully validated EN14644 class 7 (10,000) cleanroom manufacturing cell, Tex Plastics Barnstaple needed more warehouse space. The additional warehousing space provides more storage for both finished plastic components and raw materials.
Plastic raw material shortage set to continue in 2022
2021 saw the injection moulding industry enter into a perfect storm. Initially with an unprecedented shortage of polymer and additives, this led to an all-time record high for raw material prices. In less than 6 months, the price of the raw material has doubled and for certain products the increase was even higher. As availability of raw materials eased, the logistics issues came into play - with containers getting stuck in ports and a UK wide driver shortage. This meant increased difficulty in securing reliable deliveries which was a threat to Tex Plastics and our customers.
More space means more forward planning
Customers needing specialist raw materials, prime and engineering grade plastics are now able to buy stock in advance to avoid unforeseen increases and secure availability for their manufacturing requirements. As the plastic injection moulding sector continues to face ongoing shortages, price increases and delivery delays, the forward order of raw plastic materials is becoming increasingly necessary to secure supply. To facilitate this additional warehousing space was essential.