Shakespeare Monofilament: Expansion of fibre production
Shakespeare Monofilament UK is set to almost double production of polymer fibres following its acquisition of the monofilament business of EMS-Griltech. The company has bought the order book, machinery and technical know-how from the Swiss EMS-Chemie group for an undisclosed sum. It will expand its site in Fleetwood, Lancashire, by 1,000 sq metres to accommodate four extrusion lines arriving from Switzerland.
Managing director Roger Evans said: “We’ve had a business here with four extrusion lines for some time. We were looking to expand the business to create momentum and critical mass.” The first of the lines will arrive in the UK next month and the transfer will be complete by July 2004. During the transition period EMS-Griltech will supply Grilon Monofilament products under a toll manufacturing agreement.
Shakespeare has capacity to produce 1,200tpa of fibre, mainly in polyethylene, polyamide and PPS. The four new lines will add 800tpa, bringing the total capacity to 2,000tpa. The company plans to recruit 16 workers to operate the machines, as well as three or four staff in other areas.