UK polymer distributor Petroplas (GB-Berkshire; www.petroplas.com) is now in new ownership following the retirement of its founders, John Scarr and Roy Webb. The business has been acquired by a consortium of private investors, led by Stephen Nobbs, formerly the financial and commercial director of Nampak plc (previously Plysu). Managing director is Guy Payne, who has held management roles in sales and marketing with Montell, Basell and Huntsman.

Since its formation in 1986 the Petroplas materials distribution business has steadily expanded and it now supplies both commodity and technical thermoplastics from more than 20 suppliers, including Repsol, Eastman, Chevron Philips, Voridian and Ampacet. Further growth is now planned. Payne believes independent distributorships for plastics materials are a route to market that will grow in importance as manufacturers focus increasingly on larger customers in order to maximise plant utilisation. “Over the years,” he says, “Petroplas has earned a reputation for service and we aim to provide the benchmark for this to the UK polymer industry.”