Chester, UK, November 14th, 2014: Rapid News Communications Group is delighted to announce that it has concluded the purchase of Interplas from Reed Exhibitions UK.

Interplas is the UK’s largest plastics industry exhibition and the only UK event to cover all of the manufacturing processes, technologies and services within the plastics industry. Under the management of Rapid News since 2011, the event has undergone a remarkable turnaround with visitors, exhibitors and floorspace all increasing during both the 2011 and recent 2014 editions.

The purchase, for an undisclosed amount, concludes a period of licence during which Rapid News have revitalised the event. Much of this success can be attributed to the unique position Rapid News holds operating the key European plastics publications British Plastics and Rubber (BP&R), European Plastic Product Manufacturer (EPPM) and Medical Plastics News (MPN). The strength of audience reach offered by these media brands, along with a deep history in the sector built on long-term relationships, has accelerated the return of the event to the standout plastics event in the UK.

Commenting on the acquisition by Rapid News Communications Group, Philip Law, Director-General of the British Plastics Federation, said: “Interplas now has a clear direction and confidence in the future. It is a further step in the process of making the UK a 'go to place' globally for plastics technology and products.”

Nigel Flowers, Chairman of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA), said: “From both the PMMDA and UK polymer industry viewpoint it is great news that Interplas has now found a permanent ‘home’ in the Rapid News portfolio. The market needs a showcase event, and this is found in Interplas. It has been especially encouraging to see Interplas flourish this year and we are confident that this success will continue under Rapid’s control.”

Duncan Wood, C.O.O and Event Director at Rapid News Communications Group, commented: “Interplas has continued its resurgence under our management this year and we are delighted now to formally announce the conclusion of the acquisition and officially add it to our already strong plastics portfolio, strengthening our commitment to the UK and wider European plastics industry. 2014 represented a second consecutive edition with solid growth on all the key metrics of number of visitors, exhibitors and space sold and we now have a fantastic foundation which to build the event and we look forward to working with our partners, exhibitors and key associations such as the BPF and PMMDA to develop a world class showcase for the UK plastics industry in 2017."

Interplas 2017 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on September 26th-28th, 2017.

About Interplas
Interplas is the UK’s largest plastics industry exhibition and the only UK event to cover all of the manufacturing processes, technologies and services within the plastics industry. Operating on a tri-annual basis, the next edition will take place in 2017 and will comprise 400 exhibitors with an attendance approaching 12,000. Visit the website at www.interplasuk.com and follow the event on twitter @interplasuk

The three days of Interplas saw buzzing halls and high spirits as well as some major stand sales, testament to the positivity felt in the industry.

Visitor numbers and footfall was up, with the organisers saying the show an attracted over 10,400 attendees (pending BPA audit) for its 2014 edition, a number that represents growth of 10 percent against 2011 figures alongside increased exhibitor numbers and an expanded show floor.

International attendance at Interplas also increased in 2014, with visitors from 56 countries travelling to the NEC, Birmingham, underlining the importance of the UK plastics sector on the world stage.

“Interplas has continued its resurgence under our management, and 2014 represents a second consecutive edition with solid growth on all the key metrics of number of visitors, exhibitors and space sold,” commented Duncan Wood, COO and Event Director for the show.

“The key to the continued resurgence of Interplas under the management of Rapid News is the level of business created and executed at the event. The post-show feedback this year, has been unequivocally positive in this area.”

Testament to this, Romi Machines UK announced it had sold some 14 machines on the first day of Interplas alone, Richard Hird of Premier Moulding Machinery said that the company had sold four machines and PMS UK sold its Borsche BS150 moulding machine straight off its stand.

Also selling directly off his stand was Kevin Horne, Managing Director of Renmar UK, whose three AEC gravimetric blenders were being taken straight from the NEC to UK manufacturer, Chess Plastics, in Droitwich.

“We’ve had a really good show – the footfall has been excellent and it’s the first time I’ve sold the machinery on display straight off the stand,” Horne told BP&R.

“We’ve invested a lot in our stand this year. Three years ago we couldn’t have justified the cost, as people were coming to look and not buy. Now, however, people are coming ready to purchase machinery and equipment, they are looking at the technology on the stand and asking about lead times and when we can deliver.”

Materials exhibitors were also full of positive news, with Plastribution’s Duncan Scott stating that the show had resulted in several new customer projects and lots of detailed enquiries.

“This is the best Interplas I’ve been to in years. People are here because they want to be,” commented Scott. “We’ve had constant enquiries from potential new customers. There is certainly more optimism about the industry now.”

Over at Resin Trade, the company said the public reaction to its new marketing campaign had been positive and pleasing, with the stand “constantly busy” with enquiries throughout the course of the show.

“We wanted a modern representation of an industry that itself is becoming more modern,” explained Alex Nunn, Marketing Manager at Resin Trade.

“We’ve been inundated with enquiries at the show that are for forward-thinking projects that are more focused on 10 years into the future than stuck 10 years in the past. We want to reflect that modernity with our branding and Interplas was the perfect place to introduce it.”

Manufacturer of antimicrobial and detectable solutions, SteriTouch, exhibited for the first time at Interplas in 2014 and says it is already looking forward to the next show.

“Interplas exceeded all of our expectations,” said Joanna Wilson of SteriTouch. “The atmosphere was great, and we were kept constantly busy with enquiries for the full three days, with interest from a real variety of companies with antimicrobial and detectable requirements for a broad list of applications, from food packaging to flooring.”

Finally, those providing services and consultancy also said interest was high. “We have nearly filled our enquiries book and have had loads of good leads,” said Alex Miles of the British Plastics Federation.

Over at BBE recruitment, Nigel Hyde said having not exhibited at the show since 1999, the company was “very impressed” with attendance and said they’d had a successful show.

PlastikCity was also feeling the buzz, stating that it felt its stand was “one of the busiest at the show,” and said that the numbers in attendance, as well as the high spirits of visitors, was “a clear indication of the positive state of our industry.”

Horsham-based manufacturer of injection-moulded products, Pentagon Plastics, said its first time exhibiting at Interplas had been "a great success."

“This was our first three-day event and it has provided us with valuable new contacts and an informal opportunity to welcome existing customers to the stand. It has also proved a real benefit to touch base with some of our own key suppliers gaining information on other services that they offer that may be of assistance to our own business going forward," said Managing Director, Paul Edwards.

“The busy and vibrant event was well attended and we look forward to exhibiting when it returns in three years time.’’

Rapid News Communications Group Concludes Interplas Acquisition from Reed Exhibitions

Serious selling and high spirits during three-day show