Sticking to priorities: Polymarine acquired by Anglo Adhesives

Thirty years after starting the company, Polymarine directors Richard Wilkinson and Michael Capper are retiring. And so, they’ve sold the full share-holding of their company to Anglo Adhesives & Services Ltd.

Polymarine, which supplies adhesives, cleaners, paints, spares and accessories for the manufacture, care and repair of inflatable boats and RIBs, has many synergies with the new Melton Mowbray based owners.

The aim is to evolve Polymarine using the same research and processes that has always been central to Anglo Adhesives – its customers – says Charlotte Davey, MD of Anglo Adhesives (pictured above in pink).

“The acquisition highlighted the growth possibilities in the international global market and one of our targets is to expand the existing range to open it up to a wider audience.

“We are learning constantly from our end-users – we will involve our customers and work with them to make the products that they need available to them – we see it as a two-way connection.

“Polymarine will retain its strong historical brand and we will explore further opportunities and potential within the business and its products. I believe this will lead to natural organic growth in the business, and will open up new markets and possibilities.”

Davey says the production and assembly of Polymarine products is moving to Anglo Adhesives Leicestershire facility.

Utilising Polymarine’s strong marine distribution network is a top priority for the future.

“We strongly support the network that Polymarine have spent many years building, developing and nurturing,” says Davey.

“My team is very engaged with the business and, using our various strengths, expertise and knowledge, we will work collaboratively to increase output and stock holding and therefore decrease lead times.

“From our point of view it is very much business as usual, and the quality of our products will always be key. Now is the time to build on Polymarine’s success and take it to the next level.”

Trading since 1905, Anglo Adhesives specialises in solvent-based adhesives. It services diverse market sectors, such as construction, shoe manufacturing, signage and POS, art and craft, education and many more. Davey says the marine industry was an obvious sector for the company to explore, using its in-house capacity and expertise. Polymarine’s product range, including specialist adhesives, flexible paints, and boat care products, will continue to be available at the highest quality to customers new and existing.

How long the plan has been in the making, and what has happened to the original staff at Polymarine is judged as ‘commercially confidential’ by First Peninsula Marine which had an unspecified role in the deal. When asked what the role was, MIN was advised to look at the breakdown of services the company offers on its website. So it could have been commercial property “mortages” (perhaps this means mortgages?), or project management or due diligence or something else entirely?