The UK sheet extrusion industry consumed 391,000 t of polymer in 1994 according to a recent report from Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI, GB-Bristol BS1 3QP). "AMI's Guide to the Sheet Extrusion Industry in the United Kingdom" provides a complete analysis of all 94 plants identified as carrying out the sheet extrusion process which includes details on the number of lines operated as well as information on types of sheet manufactured and markets served. AMI's analysis shows that nearly half of sheet output is destined for food applications, with 22% going into construction and 19% into fabrication. The guide also identifies the locations of 350 sheet lines of which 90 are for coextrusion.

With detailed financial data also given the relative size and importance of each listed company can be assessed. The largest group using close to 30,000 t/y of polymer is Wardle Storeys PLC (Brantham Works, Brantham, Manningtree, GB-Essex CO11 1NJ), with four sites primarily involved in PVC sheet. The largest single site is probably that of ICI Acrylics (PO Box 34, Darwen, GB-Lancashire BB3 1QB) where capacity is estimated to be 25,000 t. Other significant operations with capacities in excess of 20,000 t include Doeflex PLC (Holmethorpe Avenue, Redhill, GB-Surrey RH1 2NR), Rexam PLC (HQ: Knightsbridge, GB-London SW1X 7NN) and Brett Martin (24 Roughfort Road, Mallisk, GB-Co. Antrim BT36 8RE).

BOOK SERVICE: "AMI's Guide to the Sheet Extrusion Industry in the United Kingdom" (English), 1996 edition, 98 pages, A4 format, paperback, tables and illustrations, price DEM 400.00 + postage/VAT: PIE-No. 38806.