Dear Network,
I am writing to share some important and positive news regarding the future of our group and my own role within it.
Having recently celebrated my 66th birthday, and after nearly 30 years with Omega Plastics, I have decided the time is right to sell my shares and step back from my role as Group Managing Director.
I want to reassure you that this transition has been carefully planned to ensure the future success and stability of the company. As part of this transaction, the business has secured significant additional investment to support our next phase of development.
This business has been a lifelong passion of mine, and whilst it is an emotional milestone, I am incredibly proud of the journey we have shared and the business we have built together.
๐ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ซ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฌ
I am delighted to confirm that the business has been acquired by Chris Thompson and Mark Thornton, both of whom have deep historical ties to Omega Plastics and a genuine passion for its success:
Fundamental to my wish to retire was ensuring that Omega Plastics Group secured the correct leadership and investment to support its long-term objectives and sustainability. After detailed discussions with Chris and Mark it was clear they shared the same vision, were supportive of the needs of the business and through Chrisโ ownership of the Gateshead facility they were also able to provide additional benefits that their ownership could bring to a single site operation.
This investment gives the business significant increased working capital and additional funding to drive a transformational move to a single site in Gateshead, which will facilitate improved efficiencies and enhanced levels of service.
โข Chris Thompson was instrumental in the original introduction of Omega Plastics to the UK in the late 1990s. He remained a shareholder and my partner, until he stepped away in 2024 to focus on a full-time CEO role at Express Engineering Group, he has now transitioned to a Non-Executive Chair role and was eager to return to Omega.
โข Mark Thornton was a key member of our executive team in 2019 and 2020. Mark is re-joining the team and is co-investing alongside Chris.
Their decision to reinvest in the company is testament to their belief in our people and our business.
Gary Owen (Finance Director) and Ian Mallett (Operations Director) will remain in their roles to provide continuity. Their day-to-day involvement ensures that the service and relationships you value will remain unchanged.
๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ -๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
For some time, it has been an ambition of ours to bring our operations together under one roof. I am pleased to share that this new investment finally allows us to start the process to make this a reality.
In the coming months, we intend to consolidate our operations into one single site at Gateshead. We believe this will be transformational for how we work, allowing for better internal synergy and improved levels of service. We have hoped to achieve this for a while, and this investment provides the platform to do so. We will manage this transition carefully, with product quality and continuity of supply remaining our highest priorities. We will involve you with updates as we start to plan.
๐๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐
To support a smooth transition, I will remain involved in an advisory capacity for one day per week, over an initial 6-month period providing Chris, Mark, Ian and Gary and the wider management team with any support that is required.
We understand that the plastics sector has faced well-publicised challenges recently. Because of this, I want to be clear: Omega Plastics Group is now stronger, better funded, and more ambitious than ever.
I would like to thank you personally for your support and friendship over the last three decades. It has been a privilege to work with you all, and I am confident that with Chris and Markโs investment and the continued dedication of Gary and Ian, the business is in its best ever position.
Yours sincerely,
๐๐๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐
๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ
The Commercial Team are happy to support any queries regarding this communication.
Danny Cox, Head of Sales and Commercial, danny.cox@omega-plastics.co.uk 07706 310991
Norman Hoggett, Director of Technical Sales, norman.hoggett@omega-plastics.co.uk 07525 593872
