A UK manufacturer that has worked with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has entered administration. Hereford Glass Fibre, founded in 1986, initially manufactured sea kayaks and sprint racing kayaks before diversifying its product range. Administrators were appointed for the Midlands-based business on Tuesday, according to a notice published on Friday.
Company Background
On its website, Hereford Glass Fibre states it also produces components for major UK car manufacturers. It has developed thermoplastics for use in ballistic protection in conjunction with a major vehicle armourer, a cricket batting glove, and under body protection for a rally sport team, the website adds.
Hereford Glass Fibre said it has undertaken various projects for the MoD, including weapon mount design and production, specialist flight cases, and weapon storage cases. Other products include signs, radomes, camera housing, horse box components, and glass fibre roofing.
Diversification Story
Sharing their story, the company says on its website: "Hereford Glass Fibre was founded in 1986 manufacturing sea going expedition kayaks and sprint racing kayaks. These were sold within the UK and North America. The business diversified into architectural and automotive components including components for major UK car manufacturers and facsimile chimney stacks for a central London refurbishment."
The broad mix of interest has continued, with the company developing composite conveyor equipment in conjunction with Sony UK, electrostatic paint aids with a major automotive manufacturer, and polyurethane signage for European golf courses. Primary activity now centres around closed mould technology including resin transfer moulding (RTM), Vacuum Assist Resin Injection (VARI), Vacupress, and polyurethane foam systems, though a small element of hand lay-up remains for short run components.
Thermoplastics and MoD Projects
Thermoplastics have been developed for use in ballistic protection, an innovative cricket batsman glove (Gunn & Moore), and under body protection for a rally sport team. Various silicon moulds for signage and artists have been produced, including prototypes for the female and male leisure industry.
As part of the diversification, various projects have been undertaken for the MoD, including weapon mount design and production, specialist flight cases, weapon storage cases, communication dishes and enclosures, snow mobile trailers, and covert accessories such as missile launch vehicle adaptors and missile storage pods.
3D Scanning and Services
The company also offers a 3D scanning service. On its website, it states: "Over the years we've developed a range of products that we can offer off the shelf, on top of our standard services. Even if your requirement isn't listed, if it's anything to do with composites, resin transfer moulding processes, vacuum assist resin injection, vacupress, thermoplastics or silicon, we can more than likely provide a solution."
Hereford Glass Fibre and the administrators at FRP Advisory have both been contacted for comment.
