UK-based Cadillac Plastic Limited is a supplier of highperformance plastic films and filmic adhesives to various industry sectors. With customers in the UK and Europe, and over 40 years of experience, the company leads the way in providing the most technologically advanced and appropriate solutions.
General Manager Simon Jones shared the latest developments and the company’s plans for further growth. Report by Phil Nicholls.
Earlier this year, Cadillac Plastic became the exclusive distributor within the UK and Eire for the Autotex® and Autoflex® hardcoated industrial films from MacDermid Autotype. As so many industries bounce back from the Covid pandemic, this is a welcome development for Cadillac Plastic and underlines the potential for growth within the sector.
“We were very pleased to be appointed exclusive converter and distributor of the MacDermid Autotype range,” explained General Manager Simon Jones, “because it helps us reinforce our position as a ‘one-stop shop’ for our customers. The MacDermid
Autotype range adds a wide variety of materials to our already comprehensive portfolio.”
Cadillac Plastic endured the Covid pandemic thanks to a strong footing in many sectors. When demand fell from one set of customers, another area experienced growth. These fluctuations balanced out, allowing Cadillac Plastic to continue trading during the pandemic and emerge ready to embrace new opportunities, such as this agreement with MacDermid Autotype.
Plastics portfolio
The experienced, 18-strong team operates its warehouse and production facilities in Swindon, Southwest England. Cadillac
Plastic’s comprehensive, in-house conversion capabilities cater for individual sheeting and slitting requirements at no extra cost, enabling customers to save money through the elimination of waste. The company also offers bespoke product solutions, including die-cutting and laminating.“We have a
Cadillac Plastic offers:
• Sabic Lexan TM polycarbonate films
• DuPont Teijin Polyester films
• 3M TM Adhesive films and tapes
• MacDermid Autotype Range of polyester and polycarbonate films
• DuPont Tyvek®
• Nitto Adhesive films and tapes
Major brands including Folex, Toray, Avery Dennison, Transcontinental and Kimoto.
Also, Cadco, TeknekTM clean machines, BoltaronTM , Cadco Jet-MirrorTM , surface protection films and release liners.
strong footing in the aerospace sector,” Mr Jones said, “which is recovering with the relaxation of travel restrictions. Materials required in the manufacture of aircraft are usually specialist, high-value materials such as Lexan Flame Retardant Polycarbonates and Jet-Mirror.
“The largest sector we currently supply continues to be the industrial print market, which feeds into many other sectors and utilises a wide range of materials. Having an extensive portfolio of products is essential and allows us to provide our customers with everything they need.”
The bespoke provision of high-performance plastic films and adhesive products is a critical aspect of Cadillac Plastic’s customer service. The in-house conversion facilities enable the company to convert master rolls of film into precisely cut pieces matching the client’s exact specifications.
Growth trend
The extensive range of films and adhesives at Cadillac Plastic delivered strong growth through 2022. This trend is perfectly illustrated by the recent agreement with MacDermid Autotype.
“A large number of our customers who already used these materials from MacDermid Autotype now benefit from our bespoke services,” said Mr Jones.
“This opportunity has also brought new business to Cadillac Plastic, allowing us to start building relationships with an expanded customer base.
“Our customers can expect shorter lead times when ordering from Cadillac Plastic, rather than direct from the manufacturer, because we order stock well in advance, based on expected forecasts. We are better placed in the supply chain to work with customers to identify their needs and convert their specifications into new business. Cadillac Plastic works closely with our key suppliers to give customers technical support, especially on projects where the material has rigorous technical specifications.”
This growth trend is set to continue at Cadillac Plastic, according to Mr Jones: “We will upgrade our central business system in early 2023. Focusing on improving our digital marketing, we are also upgrading our CRM system so we can further build relationships with our customers. To support our forecasted business growth, we are investing in new storage areas and facilities to accommodate our increasing product range.”
Strong relationships
Cadillac Plastic’s reputation is based on more than just an extensive portfolio of films and adhesives. “With over 4 decades in the high-performance films and adhesives industry, we are confident that our collective knowledge and experience qualifies us as trusted advisors, and allows us to meet our customers’ needs,” explained Mr Jones. “Our experienced team has the expertise to assist our customers in finding the most appropriate solution to their needs,
and by providing technical support services which are second to none.
“We work in partnership with some of the industry’s biggest brands such as Sabic, DuPont, 3M, MacDermid and Nitto, along with many others.
Cadillac Plastic provides a source where businesses can buy all their requirements in one place.”
A strong relationship with suppliers plays a huge role in the success of Cadillac Plastic. Maintaining close communication with manufacturer representatives and suppliers enables the company to keep customers up to date with material availability, new products and product changes.
“We recently took some customers to the 3M research and development site, which was a fascinating visit,” Mr Jones said. “Because of our close relationship with major brands, we have access to the best advice and product information for our customers.”
Sustainable future
Sustainability has always been part of Cadillac Plastic’s culture, demonstrated by its commitment to upholding the ISO 14001 Environmental Standard since 2006. “We operate in a responsible and ethical way,” continued Mr Jones. “We are acutely aware of environmental issues and work hard
to reduce the environmental impact of our business.
“We are committed to waste reduction, and monitor our waste output, recycling and energy consumption. Cadillac Plastic always strives to meet, or exceed, environmental regulations and targets. This year, we began recycling more types of waste than ever before, which is another positive move forward.”
Recent events have brought challenges across the industry, notably with regards to the supply of raw materials, but Cadillac Plastic remains optimistic. The experienced team continue to offer high levels of service and the wide range of products that its customers expect.
In conjunction with the expansion into offering the MacDermid Autotype range, Cadillac Plastic plans to consolidate its position as a one-stop shop for customers. The company is continually assessing ways to improve both its facility and services, to
deliver expert advice and quality solutions to customers – where excellent customer service is paramount.
“Cadillac Plastic is the perfect SME,” concluded Mr Jones, “and I feel privileged to be heading a fantastic, highly experienced and motivated team. Every member of staff makes a genuine difference to the business, creating a real buzz and ‘can-do’ attitude within the workplace.
“Many of our customers rate Cadillac Plastic as their best supplier, which brings a great sense of pride, both personally and for the entire team.” n
