UK History | Ensinger

1987 - 1993 1994 - 2000 2001 - 2005 2011 - 2012 2014 - Today

1987 : Ensinger UK opens its doors

The UK division of Ensinger was founded by John Speirs in December 1987 when Ensinger Ltd opened its doors in Llantrisant, South Wales with just three people at the helm. At the time John had a vision for the future, but even he could not have imagined how Ensinger would grow and flourish in the UK - today consisting of 5 stock shapes branches, 2 machine shops, a building profile company and a manufacturing facility. John's drive, commitment and vision ensured Ensinger's successes, laying a firm foundation for the future.

1990 : Ensinger opens its first satellite branch

Rapidly increasing demand has since led to the growth of a further 6 stock shapes branches at strategic locations within the UK. In 1990 Ensinger South was the first satellite branch to be opened in Havant, Hampshire. This branch moved to a new larger premises in Waterlooville in 2001.

1993: Ensinger expands into the North of England

Ensinger UK began expanding the business to the North of England with the acquisition of plastic distribution company, Nyloplas in Warrington. To coincide with its move to a larger premises at Irlam, Manchester, the branch was then rebranded as Ensinger North in 1995.

1994 : Ensinger acquires Trig Engineering

Ensinger acquired a specialist machining company Trig Engineering in Bridgwater to complement its in-house machining operation. Within a few years of Ensinger's ownership, Trig needed more capacity to support its continuing growth. In 1997 the company moved to a new, larger, purpose-built premises in Huntworth Business Park, Bridgwater, where it now employs almost one hundred staff.

1998: Ensinger acquires TK Engineering Plastics

Ensinger acquired TK Engineering Plastics, another plastics distribution company based in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. This branch was rebranded and Ensinger South East was created in conjunction with its move to a new premises in Bishop's Stortford in 2001.

2000: Tinto Plastics becomes a part of Ensinger

Ensinger’s distribution partner in Scotland, Tinto Plastics, joined the Ensinger family in the UK. This branch was rebranded as Ensinger Scotland when it opened its new premises in East Kilbride later the same year.

2001: Ensinger establishes roots in Birmingham

A completely new branch was created in Nechelles, West Midlands, called Ensinger Birmingham to serve customers more effectively in the surrounding area.

2003: The birth of Ensinger Precision Engineering

In 1988 Ensinger UK opened its in-house machining arm at Llantrisant. This machining arm became an independent trading company in 2003, called Ensinger Precision Engineering Ltd. Today, along with Trig Engineering, Ensinger Precision Engineering is part of the Ensinger Machined Parts Division, machining high quality precision plastic components.

2005: Ceremonial dig at Tonyrefail

Due to rapid growth and increasing demand, expansions in 1993 and 1998 saw the company move to a new, purpose-built premises. A ceremony was held to mark the cutting of the first sod for Ensinger's new construction in Tonyrefail, South Wales. Company founder Wilfried Ensinger made the first cut into the ground. The road in which the new premises would reside was named 'Wilfried Way' as a permanent tribute to Wilfried Ensinger to honour the company's continued investment in the area. A year to the day of the ceremonial dig, Ensinger held the official opening of the new premises, which now houses the UK headquarters where core functions such as technical services, quality, marketing, purchasing, human resources and accounting reside.

2011: Ensinger Building Products

Ensinger Building Products was established as an independent trading company, selling insulbar® window profiles into the UK market. Insulbar® develops and produces insulating bars for the thermal separation of doors, windows, and facades in metal.

2012: Ensinger North East opens for business

The opening of a brand new facility, Ensinger North East, near Newcastle, continues the growth of the material distribution business in the UK.

2012: John Speirs receives OBE

John Speirs (founder of Ensinger UK) received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his services to advanced material and manufacturing in Wales. This award was presented to him by HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.

2012: 25 years of Ensinger UK

Ensinger's UK story began in December 1987, with just 3 people and an aspiring vision to dominate the UK engineering plastics market. 25 years later, the company grew into a UK leader in the field of engineering plastics, with over 250 employees, 4 further stock shapes branches and 2 machine shops.

To celebrate this monumental event, and to show appreciation to all the employees, a special Christmas party was organised where staff from each of the UK locations attended. The celebrations did not stop there, a summer party also took place at Ensinger UK's head office location in Tonyrefail, South Wales.

2014: Elekem is welcomed to the group

In November 2014, Elekem, based in Rossendale Valley, East Lancashire, officially became part of Ensinger Group. With over 30 years experience and success in the fabrication of PEEK and PTFE tube products for final machining, Elekem continues to enhance the existing Ensinger stock shapes portfolio with newly accessible specialist products and sizes, all manufactured from within the UK.

2015: Trig's Diamond Anniversary

Trig Engineering celebrated its 50 year anniversary since establishment. The company was founded in 1965 by Percy Triggol, and in 1994 became part of Ensinger Group, growing from strength to strength throughout its 50 years.

To commemorate the event, an end of summer celebration was held at the Trig site in Bridgwater, Somerset. During the celebrations, Klaus Ensinger was asked to unveil a commemorative picture of the first ever Trig building. The day was a success and a great way to celebrate the impressive diamond 50 years.

2017: Ensinger's 30 Years Celebration

In December 2017, the UK division of Ensinger celebrated its 30th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1987, the company has grown into a market leader in the field of engineering plastics, with over 290 employees.

Ensinger UK did not want this anniversary to go unmissed, and to show appreciation to employees, a head office Christmas party was organised, where staff along with some special guests celebrated this monumental event. The celebration was a great success and a fantastic way to mark this significant milestone.