- Polypipe Civils celebrates 40 years of manufacturing at flagship Horncastle site.
On the 12th September more than 300 Polypipe Civils employees gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of operations at the company’s flagship manufacturing site in Horncastle, Lincolnshire.
Since opening in 1979 as a 5,000 square ft. factory housing one machine and twelve employees, the site has expanded to become one of the most advanced production facilities in Europe with over 150,000 square ft of production space, 310 staff and a site covering 29 acres.
For Operations Director, John Bush, who was instrumental in Polypipe’s move to Horncastle, the anniversary is particularly significant: “As part of our land drain growth strategy at the time, I had been asked to find a location that could provide a base to supply the Lincolnshire and East Anglia region. We drew a blank until I chanced on the site while visiting my wife’s parents who lived in the town. The acquisition went smoothly and the rest, as they say, is history!”
To mark the occasion, the company, in addition to holding a celebratory fun and sports day for families and friends, commissioned special cup-cakes for everyone across the business.
“As we’ve now grown to be the largest employer in Horncastle, it was great to have the chance to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped us reach this milestone,” says John. “The fun day really reflected the strong community sprit of the town and the competitive exertions of the day easily allow for an indulgent cup-cake or two!”
Polypipe’s involvement in the local community was established early on and continues to be an important aspect of the company’s commitment to the area, supporting a variety of sports teams, charities and municipal activities. The company also engages with schools and other interest groups, looking to build their understanding of plastic recycling, sustainable manufacturing and industry-lead environmental initiatives.
Many of the company’s market-leading pipe and geocellular water management products such as Polystorm, Ridgidrain and Ridgisewer as well as cable ducting that has been used extensively throughout UK road and rail transport network, are produced at Horncastle.
“With the continuing support and investment from Polypipe, we are realising the next generation of products that will help the construction industry develop solutions to meet the challenges of resilience and sustainability,“ says John. “It’s the result of the ‘can-do’ attitude that we’ve always had and which has allowed us to achieve so much here in Horncastle. I am very proud that this site has helped to put the town firmly on the map!”