Heanor-based Four D Rubber Ltd, a manufacturer of latex rubber used for the medical, retail and leisure industries, is to expand into new markets and develop new products following a £3.2 million funding deal from Santander Corporate & Commercial. The firm is investing in enhanced manufacturing capabilities in the UK and Sri Lanka and accelerating its product development programme including new latex free ranges.
Established in 1964, Four D Rubber manufactures latex sheeting used in wide variety of applications including exercise bands, dental dams and other medical products. Four D Rubber is also the global leader in latex sheet for the international latex clothing market. The business employs 29 people in the UK and 84 in its Sri Lankan subsidiary.
Four D Rubber was acquired in a management buyout led by current CEO Richard Gogerty in December 2014. For 2016, the management team is focused on expanding the business significantly, particularly with regards to overseas growth and international markets. Key product lines set for investment include the exercise and medical segments.
The £3.2 million funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial will be used for a wide range of growth-focused initiatives, including a redesign of Four D Rubber’s websites, customer development and international sales growth from the newly strengthened UK based sales team, and the design of new products.
Richard Gogerty, CEO, Four D Rubber, said: “This is an exciting time for our business as we are now in a position to invest in new products and people, both in the UK and Sri Lanka. A key aspect of this growth strategy is to focus on the medical and exercise segments where we believe there will be increased demand in the future. Santander’s understanding of the manufacturing sector and global expansion has been invaluable in helping us to turn our plans into reality.”
Steve Young, Relationship Director for Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “Four D Rubber is an excellent example of a UK business which has developed a unique product and has subsequently carved out a niche market for itself. With Richard’s impressive experience in this industry, we are confident that the business will go from strength to strength in the coming years.”
ENDS
The information contained in this press release is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions.
Notes to editors
For Four D Rubber Ltd media enquiries, please contact Richard Gogerty on 01773 763134 / rgrogerty@fourdrubber.com
For Santander Corporate & Commercial media enquiries, please contact:
Bijal Tanna 020 7756 4189 Mobile: 07860 259 217
Andy Smith 020 7756 4212 Mobile 07824 473 338
The Santander Corporate & Commercial press office operates from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Outside of these hours please call 0800 5877708.