Stewart increases rotational moulding capacity
61% of keen gardeners over the age of 55 prefer plastic planters
Stewart, the leading UK manufacturer and supplier of technical plastic moulded products for the gardening, home, professional catering, technical and packaging sectors, has increased its rotational moulding capacity.
The development comes in response to a huge increase in demand for the company’s plastic pots and planters. In the last four years, Stewart Garden, the gardening division of Stewart, has increased sales of these products by 83%, with the Piazza decorative planter range leading the way.
Primary research conducted by Stewart Garden shows 89% of keen gardeners aged between 35 and 54 use pots to grow all kinds of different plants including fruit and vegetables. The same survey revealed an increasing preference for lightweight plastic planters over planting directly into the ground. Indeed, 61% of keen gardeners over the age of 55 prefer plastic planters.
Rotational moulding makes it easy for manufacturers to alter moulds to create different products. This enables Stewart to respond to evolving consumer tastes and bring new products to market quickly, helping retailers satisfy their customers’ needs.
Stewart moved to a new factory in Banbury in 2012 to allow for increased production. Two new rotational moulding machines have been installed meaning Stewart now has 3 machines compared to the 1 at their previous Croydon site.
Stewart Garden’s grow your own products include watering, pots, propagators and garden accessories and sundries. They are available in over 1,600 outlets across the UK and Eire including major DIY outlets such as Homebase and Wilkinson and garden centres including Dobbies and Klondyke/Strikes, The Garden Centre Group and more than 600 independent garden centres.
For more information about Stewart Garden, visit www.stewart-garden.co.uk.
ENDS
Editorial contacts:
Sara Tye or Emma De Maio
redheadPR
Tel: 07786 176 617 or 07921 160 134
Email: sara@redheadpr.co.uk or emma@redheadpr.co.uk
Stewart - backgrounder
Stewart is the UK market leader in the manufacture and supply of technical plastic moulded products for the gardening, home and professional catering sectors. The company offers an extensive portfolio of products ranging from garden planters and propagators, to food containers and specialist storage products. Three specialist divisions also work across the aerospace, automotive and medical industries.
The company employs 70 permanent staff and 30 seasonal workers at a purpose-built 178,000 sq ft facility in Banbury, Oxon, which opened in September 2012. The factory and distribution centre includes state of the art machinery giving Stewart a world class advantage over its UK competitors.
It enjoyed a turnover of £13 million in 2010.
Stewart is headed by CEO Richard Butler who built his career in the technical plastics and rubber sector and has worked for leading manufacturers in the aerospace and automotive sector.
Originally established in 1945 the company was the subject of a BIMBO (buy-in/ management buyout) in June 2011. ECI, the mid-market private equity specialist, invested £12 million in the company in a deal that valued the business at £17 million.
Stewart Garden produces grow your own products, watering, pots, propagators and garden accessories and sundries. These are available in over 1600 outlets across the UK and Eire including major DIY outlets such as Homebase and Wilkinsons and garden centres across the UK such as Dobbies and Klondyke/Strikes, The Garden Centre Group and some 600 plus independent garden centres.
Stewart Garden plays an active role in the gardening and leisure industry through its membership of:
- GIMA – the Garden Industry Manufacturers Association
- Gardenex – the Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers Limited
- HTA – the Horticultural Trades Association
Stewart won the House Beautiful Best Product Garden Category in 2005 and the Klondyke Dry Goods Supplier Award in 2010. The company was a GIMA Awards - POS Finalist in 2009, and Best of British Finalist in 2011. It’s Heat and Grow Thermostatic Propagator was top in the Which? Gardening Best Buy test on windowsill propagators 2011.
Stewart Home provides food storage and homewares products. These comprise of the Refine, Essentials and Seal Fresh food and drink storage collections, offering hygienic storage in a wide range of colours and shapes.
Stewart Catering supplies the Gastronorm and Seal Fresh food storage ranges to the catering industry and specialist cook shops via wholesale and cash and carry outlets.
Other Stewart divisions are:
Stewart Aerospace
Stewart Automotive
Stewart Medical
Each division of Stewart is BS ISO 9001-2000 and TS16949 accredited and operates from the company’s manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centre in Banbury, Oxon.
For more information visit www.stewartlimited.co.uk
For editorial enquiries, pictures, interviews and samples, contact Emma De Maio on 07921 160 134 or email emma@redheadpr.co.uk
