April 2002 - Company Launch

September 2003 - Vynacol Launch

January 2004 - Move of the Month

Company Launch

On 15th April 2002, MetPro Group announced the establishment of a dedicated plastic additives division - MetPro Plastic Technologies. Irish owned and managed and operating from its head office in Tralee, County Kerry, MetPro Plastic Technologies forecast that they will secure 20% of the lucrative EUR 50 million plastic additives market in the first year of trading.

Speaking at the announcement, Group Managing Director, Rick Earley commented, "In a marketplace that is so competitive, plastic processors are always looking for new developments to give them an edge over their competitors. We know we have the answer. As a direct result of years of R&D, our personal experience of the international masterbatch market and our advanced product innovation, we feel we have developed a technologically superior product, which can be tailored to meet the demands and specifications of any client. This combination of the right product and the right people should allow Metpro Plastic Technologies to become a key player in the plastic additives market in the short term - with the stated goal of being Irish market leaders in the future."

Vynacol Launch

A new polymer specific colour masterbatch for rigid PVC, which allows it to be coloured as easily as any other plastic material has enormous potential for the PVC processing market. Until now the PVC masterbatches have worked well in flexible grades of the material, but have suffered compatability and homogenisation problems when used to add colour to rigid PVC, with adverse effects on its physical properties. However, by using a new formulation, together with specially modified production plant, the company has introduced Vynacol, a free flowing granular product which overcomes these problems, enabling processors to enjoy the benefits of lower polymer costs, reduced stock holding and the production flexibility offered through using masterbatches.

Vynacol can easily be dispersed at a recommended dosage of between 1 and 2%, when used with filled or unfilled grades. Overdosing at rates of up to 5% is possible with no effects on processing or physical properties, in addition to this it contains additives which can actually improve and enhance the characteristics of the base PVC.

Ease of processing & improved weld strength, increases ductility and impact strength (especially at low temperatures) plus a high gloss finish are all benefits resulting from using the new material. Ingredients have been selected for good weatherability and excellent colour aging characteristics, UV stabilisers and absorbers can be added, while suitable approved pigments allow Vynacol to meet all European food contact, packaging and EN71 (toy) criteria.

Rod Pitman joins the team...

"Rod Pitman qualified as an Aeronautical Engineer in England but switched to Plastics after having lived in Ireland for a few years. He set up his own company in 1975 acting as an agent for the supply of colourants to the plastics industry throughout Ireland. This developed to the extent that, with a colleague he decided to manufacture his own masterbatch locally in Naas. (This Company, Masterplast Ltd, was eventually sold to Hoechst Ireland in 1990) In addition to Masterplast Rod set up a satellite unit in Leicester to make masterbatch for UK Customers, which in time also went to Hoechst Ireland Ltd.

Subsequent to the sale and completion of contractual restrictions the General Manager of the Leicester Plant set up his own Company, ColourTone, while Rod returned to the selling of Colourants under the name of V-Plas as an agent for ColourTone Ltd

Speaking recently Rod said "I am looking forward to assisting Metpro Plastic Technologies increase its sales and penetration throughout Ireland both in Colourants and Vynacol."