Northamptonshire-based specialist Scott Bader UK is set to invest £30 million in a five-year program to revamp its flagship UK manufacturing site, commencing in 2024. The initial phase will see £8 million allocated to enhance flexibility, reducing lead times and facilitating the rapid scaling up of sustainable alternatives, including products for 3D printing.
The CEO of Scott Bader, Kevin Matthews, emphasized the commitment to the UK composite supply chain and the company’s dedication to supporting customers. The investment aims to upgrade capabilities for developing and supplying sustainable performance materials, contributing to customers’ efforts to achieve net-zero goals.
This substantial commitment ensures the future of Scott Bader’s key product brands, such as Crystic resins and gelcoats, Crestabond structural adhesives, and Crestapol performance resins. Recent research and development investments globally have focused on sustainable alternatives and innovations for lightweighting composite parts in markets like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and land transportation.
In addition to transforming the UK site, Scott Bader has established a €2 million laboratory facility in France, set to open in Q1 2024. The company’s $16 million new manufacturing facility in Mocksville, USA, becomes fully operational in 2024. These strategic investments aim to bring enhanced capabilities closer to the global customer base, aligning with the long-term goal of shortening supply chains and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.