Manufacturing group strengthens support offering with new acquisition
A MANUFACTURING group has strengthened its presence in the sector with the acquisition of an industry research association.
Made in the Midlands, which represents hundreds of manufacturers across the region, has acquired the Rubber & Plastics Research Association (RAPRA).
RAPRA is a non-profit membership association that offers impartial specialist support to the whole of the rubber and plastics industry through a network of world class technical centres. It connects companies to leading polymer scientists and engineers to provide short and long term R&D solutions.
Made in the Midlands CEO, Jason Pitt said: “It’s very exciting for us to be given the opportunity of acquiring and growing RAPRA, this comes off the back of our expansion into Yorkshire and will help us become an integral part of the future industrial strategy of the UK.
“Although there is uncertainty globally, I don’t think the future of manufacturing and industrialisation is uncertain. With America taking the lead, I expect to see growth in industry, in particular those businesses and sectors that have invested in R&D. The acquisition of RAPRA will help us to deliver that message more powerfully.”
RAPRA encourages modern manufacturing methods by providing members and clients with unlimited access to an extensive technical support network. It is especially strong in the aerospace and defence supply chains.
RAPRA director, Stephen Shaw said: “We are very excited and encouraged to see the success that Made in the Midlands and Yorkshire have had in the years that it has been in existence. We are looking forward to working and developing the joint model together in the coming months and years.”
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
