Hardie Polymers

Isy is currently Managing Director of Hardie Polymers Ltd, a Glasgow based Polymer Distributor.  Having been in the Industry for over 30 years, Isy is passionate about promoting the Polymer Industry and joined the SPRA Council in 2022.

Sumitomo Demag

Dave has been in the plastics industry for over 40 years, having started out his career back in the early eighties as an apprentice toolmaker. Following a switch into the moulding & production side of the industry, he moved into a product development role in 1990 at a local pharmaceutical packaging company, before being persuaded to switch sides and move into a technical sales role with Hardie Polymers, the then agent for Demag. For more than 20 years, Dave worked for Demag (and latterly, Sumitomo Demag), until moving to FANUC UK in 2015 to take over the running of the Irish Roboshot distributorship, and ultimately, the entire UK & Ireland operation. Returning to Sumitomo Demag UK in 2022 to take over from Nigel Flowers as MD, Dave continues to be heavily involved in all aspects of the industry – he is a committee member of the SPRA, and current chairman of the PMMDA.

Socially, Dave is probably best known for his love of Rugby and the outdoors, and is planning to complete a series of half & ultra marathon events in aid of Anthony Nolan, a charity very close to his heart.

McLaren Plastics

Bruce graduated with a MSc in Injection Moulding from Edinburgh Napier University. He then went on to work for injection mouldings companies such as Tenma UK Ltd and Rosti Technical Plastic fulfilling the role of project management at both companies. Then an opportunity arose in 2004 when he could join McLaren Plastics Ltd; a company which his grandfather established in 1960. For the last 20 years Bruce has been working for the company and is now Joint Managing Director.

In 2022 Bruce was unanimously elected to be President of the SPRA.

espotech

I’ll shortly be retiring from Epsotech, after 33yrs in extruded polymer sheet, where I’ve held senior management positions in both the UK and Europe. I have enjoyed working with and building successful teams in the many roles I’ve had over the years.

I started my working life in finance, after graduating in Accountancy & Computer Science at Herriot Watt, and subsequently achieved my accountancy qualification. However, at school, I was very much into the sciences and maths, which make plastic a great connection.

Prior to plastics, I worked in the Paper production and the Timber -processing, manufacturing, and distribution, sectors.

Out with my busy working life, I’ve been successfully involved in supporting local swimming and scouting & DofE. Core hobbies are my garden, walking (trails  & Monroes)  and DIY

I’m married with 4 children.

University of Strathclyde

Dr Ross Minty is a lecturer in the Advanced Composites Group at the University of Strathclyde where he returned in January 2022 after a period in industry. Since his return he has been building a research team that focuses on adhesion and interface phenomena in advanced composites. Dr Minty is a Chartered member of the IMechE, a member of the EPSRC Engineering Early Career Forum and a council member of the Scottish Polymer and Rubber Association. He has 10 years of experience in the field of advanced composite materials, across both industrial and academic research roles. In particular, he has a specialised in the study of composite adhesion at both the surface and fibre-matrix interface level. Following his PhD studying fibre-matrix adhesion in composites for wind turbine applications, Dr Minty spent three years working in the advanced materials sector as an Innovate UK project lead at Far-UK, developing new proprietary materials and techniques for UK and global manufacturing of composite materials. During this time he built a significant industrial network in the advanced composite sector within the UK and beyond.

University of Strathclyde

Prof John Liggat undertook his PhD research on polymer degradation chemistry at the University of Glasgow, followed by post-doctoral research on gas separation membranes at Heriot-Watt University before joining ICI in January 1989 as a Research Chemist at the Wilton Materials Research Centre.  There his research centred on enhancing the suitability of high-performance thermoplastics such as PEEK and PPS for film, injection moulding and composite applications. He moved in 1991 to take up a position as Senior Polymer Scientist within the Biopolymers Group of ICI Bio Products and Fine Chemicals (latterly Zeneca Bio Products) with the objective of improving the processability of the innovative biodegradable packaging polymer, 'BIOPOL'.  During that time, he was involved in a broad range of programmes designed to optimise the BIOPOL range of hydroxyalkanoate polymers for use in applications such as latex coating, injection moulding, extrusion coating, oriented film production and melt coating. 

In 1994, he joined the University of Strathclyde where he is now Professor of Polymer Science and Technology.  Building very much on his industry experience, his research group has major research interests across a wide spectrum of polymer physical chemistry and technology, including adhesion, crystallisation behaviour, physical ageing, thermal properties, and fire retardancy, nanocomposite technology and polymer processing.  Much of this research is at higher TRL levels and is focused on solving specific problems for specific businesses, often supporting the manufacturing process.  Recent research projects include industry-funded programmes on fire retarded polyurethanes foams for the oil and gas sector, pre-ceramic materials for the welding of silicon carbide heating elements, and the scale-up of gelatin functionalisation chemistry for biomedical device manufacture.  Current Knowledge Transfer Partnerships include programmes with AH Knight, RUA Life Sciences and Rumbol Products.

Impact Solutions

Kevin, Graduated as a chemist and is a past president of the SPRA.  He has a lifetime interest in sustainability especially through innovation and working with the future generation of technical leaders.

He is currently a director of:

Impact Solutions – Global polymer R&D centre and 17025 accredited test laboratory

Reventas –Provides a low cost method of removing colour from a plastic, the company is currently scaling up from its operational pilot plant

Sustainable Certifications Group - providing certification schemes that ratify the sustainability of products.

Cellmine – Providing a solution for recycling batteries.

He was a founding director of Impact Recycling which operates a number of plants that separate plastics using the BOSS Technology.

Engel

Current position is Regional Sales Manager and Automotive Specialist for Engel UK.

After completing an apprenticeship in tool making in the early 80's, I embarked on a remarkable 40-year journey in the plastics industry. My first post in the plastics industry began as a processing technician, manufacturing beauty products, where I honed my skills and passion for the field.

With dedication and hard work, I steadily climbed the ladder, eventually becoming the Process/Engineering Manager for a technical Trade moulder in the Northeast. It was during this time that I discovered my true calling and joined Engel as a Service Engineer, marking the beginning of a fulfilling 30-year tenure with the company. Throughout my time at Engel, I continuously challenged myself and seized opportunities to grow professionally.

My dedication and expertise led to a promotion as the Training Manager, where I had the privilege of imparting my knowledge and skills to a new generation of professionals. Seeking further growth, I transitioned into my current role as an Area Sales Manager, specialized in Automotive process and machine technology. For the past two decades, I have excelled in this position, combining my engineering and automation skills with exceptional business development, project management, and account management abilities.

Over the years, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to delivering outstanding results and exceeding expectations. My passion for the plastics industry, coupled with my extensive experience, has allowed me to thrive in diverse roles and continuously contribute to the growth and success of the organizations I have been a part of. My journey in the plastics industry has been one of constant learning, personal growth, and unwavering dedication. I am proud of the accomplishments I have achieved throughout my career, and I look forward to leveraging my skills and expertise to drive future success in the dynamic world of engineering and automation.

Northern Networking Events Ltd

With experience in organising both small and large meetings throughout the world, specialising in medical, scientific and business Conferences, we pride ourselves in always offering our clients a professional, friendly and reliable service.