Paul Norman celebrates 40 years in the engineering and plastics industry

2009 sees Paul Norman, Managing Director of Paul Norman Plastics Ltd celebrating 40 years in the engineering and plastics industry. Paul started his career with a precision engineering apprenticeship when he was just 16. Specialising in press tool making, Paul's love for engineering grew and as his career developed, he gained a good grounding in all aspects of the industry. With the arrival of the plastic injection age and when the opportunity rose for him to diversify, Paul moved into this new and exciting business.

In 1982 Paul set up Paul Norman Plastics Ltd - a plastic injection moulding business. From humble beginnings he sowed the seeds of a thriving business with early success. These early achievements turned out to be the tipping point of the business as later Paul and his team were able to invest time and money into a range of own brands which have proved highly successful. These began with PNP Railways - the miniature railway division of Paul Norman Plastics Ltd. - which was created as the resulting fusion of interests as Paul is a passionate steam enthusiast! Its main purpose is to supply ready-made parts to the model engineering fraternity specialising in 7 1/4" & 5" gauge model railways.

With family and ethical values at its core, Paul Norman Plastics Ltd developed further sports and education orientated brands and these businesses have grown considerably in the past few years. These include The Wedge which is an innovative range of Dry-Wipe Magnetic Whiteboards and Accessories which are ideal for use in the classroom, on the sports field or in the home. PNP Sports consist of brands Game Guard Gumshields, Game Plan Strategy Kit, Breaker Boards and Kubatan Sticks. Game Guard is a great range of boil and bite coloured and flavoured gumshields. CE approved, they are suitable for most contact sports. Game Plan Strategy Kit is an invaluable, portable, and visual, sports strategy resource kit. It is an ideal tool for teachers, sports coaches or team mates to demonstrate or strategise player positions and movement, or explain game theories or tactics. Paul Norman Plastics Ltd also manufacture breaker boards and kubatan sticks for use in martial arts.

Paul Norman Plastics Ltd now counts its employees into double figures and booming business times mean further expansion in all areas. So after 40 years in the business is Paul ready to retire? "Not quite yet" he states. "My passion for engineering and in particular plastic injection moulding keeps me and my team motivated to do and achieve so much more."