A Rochdale-based manufacturer of plastic mouldings is expanding its operations with a new processing line as it prepares to mark its 50th anniversary.
Founded in 1977, Taylor Engineering & Plastics (TEP) produces custom plastic components for customers across a range of industries, including construction, agriculture, medical and vending. Its 180-strong workforce moulds, paints and assembles technical parts used in the manufacture of machinery, equipment and vehicles.
The company is now investing an initial £2.1m trade finance package from Lloyds Banking Group into two new 1,200-tonne moulding presses. The addition will introduce sheet moulding compound (SMC) to TEP’s manufacturing capabilities.
The new process will enable the business to produce more advanced technical components for applications with demanding specifications. It will also position TEP among a small number of European manufacturers offering SMC as part of a broader service portfolio, strengthening its ability to attract new customers.
Both machines are expected to be operational by early next year, coinciding with the company’s 50th anniversary. Once installed, the new capability is set to enhance service for existing customers, open access to new market sectors and support job creation.
The investment follows another major upgrade in 2025, when TEP installed a £1m, 2,200-tonne injection moulding machine. The system is fully automated, improving efficiency and ensuring repeatability across varying production volumes.
The move also aligns with wider regional investment activity, following the announcement that more than £3.5bn of new finance could be made available to North West businesses in 2026 as part of Lloyds Banking Group’s £35bn UK-wide funding commitment.
“This is a landmark investment for us as a business and a major step forward in growing our manufacturing capability; it’s only fitting that it’s set to coincide with our 50th anniversary.
“Adding this new processing line to our operations will open a wealth of new opportunities for both us and our customers. From the conversations we’re already having with them, they’re just as excited about this latest investment as we are, and I’m grateful for the support from the team at Lloyds in helping us to achieve this.”
– Scott Taylor, Managing Director at TEP.
Ria Kelsall, relationship director at Lloyds, added: “TEP is a firm with a rich industrial history, but it’s also one that is always looking ahead to how it can remain at the cutting edge. With this latest investment, it’s giving itself the potential to expand an already varied customer base thanks to its unique offering.
“This will help to unlock future growth opportunities for the business, and I look forward to seeing how it builds on this in the coming years.”
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