Reclaimed rubber firm gets £120K support from MSIF
A BUSINESS which specialises in products made from reclaimed rubber is expanding with a £120k loan from Merseyside Special Investment Fund.
Safer Surfacing Ltd uses rubber from recycled tyres to produce a range of rubber chippings and granules which can be laid loose or bound with resin into solid safety flooring.
The products are used primarily in playgrounds, landscaping, equestrian, patios, pathways and even chicken runs.
The Ellesmere Port-based business was established in 2012 by brothers Ian and Graham Glassbrook.
MSIF provided the loan via the government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) Scheme. The money is being used to invest in new machinery, set up a second production line and buy more materials.
Director Ian Glassbrook said: “We started out building and installing tyre processing lines, but there was no real market for the products once the tyres had been shredded and granulated so we came up with the concept of colouring the rubber, and looking at the markets for selling.
“After several years of development we have established a way of manufacturing one of the world’s toughest materials right here in Ellesmere Port. We aim to produce high quality products with the environment in mind.
“Using rubber for our chippings cuts costs as the longevity is unmatched against most other safety surfaces on today’s market. Our specially formulated polyurethane coatings give the rubber a high quality surface that is vibrant and hard wearing, providing a one off application.
“The business has experienced significant growth during the last 12 months and we will be recruiting two new positions within the company and expect that orders will continue to increase.
“We therefore needed funding to expand the operation. MSIF helped tailor a package to suit the needs of our business which will enable us to research and develop our products further and expand into new markets. Their hands-on approach and guidance was a great support.”
MSIF investment director Paul Humphray said: “Legislation along with insurance company guidelines are driving more towards accredited safety surfaces in public areas, schools and playgrounds.
“Safer Surfacing has built up a solid customer base that is continuing to grow and the company has an excellent reputation in the marketplace. I think they are extremely well placed to take advantage of opportunities in what is a fast growing sector. We are very pleased to be supporting the business.”
MC Vanguard corporate finance director Jerry Scriven, who acted as advisor to Safer Surfacing, said the funding has charged up the firm’s manufacturing operation so it can capitalise on strong demand for its services.
