Clarity Plastics sets sights on growth and jobs

A Midlands-based manufacturing group is set to grow its operations and workforce after acquiring two distressed plastics companies out of administration.

Clarity Plastics, a newly formed group led by entrepreneur Kevin Robinson, has acquired injection moulding specialists Barkley Plastics and LVS. 

The move brings 45 employees and more than 110 clients across automotive, medical and construction sectors under a single brand.

Bosses say the acquisition preserves over 60 years of manufacturing heritage at Barkley’s West Midlands facility and secures key contracts supplying interior trim and specialist lighting products to Nissan, JLR and supercar manufacturers. 

They add that more than ten staff were retained during administration, with additional hires planned at the Highgate site to support growth.

Clarity Plastics will also invest over £500,000 across its Birmingham and Telford facilities to modernise operations, introduce automation, optimise factory layouts and provide tailored training and personal development for employees.

Kevin said: “For the last year 60 years, the two businesses have been established and respected names in the plastics market and we were determined not to lose this technical excellence forever.

“With similar machine sizes, capabilities and management systems, the two sites are naturally well-aligned. 

“This creates an excellent opportunity for both to support and learn from each other, strengthening operational resilience whilst also expanding capacity and targeting new opportunities.”

Kevin added: “By combining their heritage with a forward-looking strategy, Clarity Plastics is positioning itself as a major player in the UK moulding industry, and in short, the two sites together will be much stronger than they ever were apart.”

Simon Anderson, who has been appointed as head of Clarity Plastics, added: “The vision is for both sites to be thriving, profitable businesses with full order books and growing workforces by this time next year.

“Success will mean that customers have complete confidence in us as a stable, forward-looking supplier. 

“Both deals were ‘people first’ acquisitions, and we have spent a lot of time talking to the team and reassuring them that we will deliver secure employment and a host of new benefits, including employee of the month schemes and access to the ‘Perks at Work’ platform.”

Matt Harwood, whose family had been involved in Barkley Plastics for more than six decades, joins as director of business growth to explore new markets and opportunities. 

He will work alongside manufacturing expert Steve Smith, appointed as director of operations, to strengthen production processes and operational efficiency.

Matt added: “Safeguarding jobs was our immediate priority, and now our focus is on rebuilding capacity and creating new employment opportunities as growth returns.

“We see significant opportunity in export markets, particularly in Europe, where British injection moulding is highly regarded, and increasing international activity will be an important marker of our progress.

“There are over 50 moulding machines running 24 hours per day, five days per week, so there is plenty of capacity to take on new business.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →