08 September 2007
: Parafix Celebrates 35 years of Engineered Adhesive Solutions
One of Europe’s leading providers of converted adhesive shapes is celebrating the landmark milestone this year of 35 years in business . Parafix Tapes & Conversions, based in Lancing, West Sussex, was incorporated in 1972, and has grown to become a £10m business employing nearly 100 talented and experienced people.
The occasion was celebrated last weekend, Saturday 8 September, by nearly 100 people at a local farm with a spit roast, a barn dance and plenty of Sussex’s very own Harvey’s bitter. The staff were safely transported from Lancing to the event in an open top double decker bus via the Duke of York, Sayers Common where managing director Michael Punter was waiting with some of their Hungarian colleagues. Firmly rooted in both the local and global economies, Parafix’s innovative approach and skills with adhesive converted parts has led it to service customers in over 42 countries across the world. Closer to home, the company was also a finalist in the 2006/7 Sussex Business Awards. Founded by local businessman John Shipley, Parafix started out as a cottage engineering business, then grew rapidly alongside the telecomms boom where it provided custom die-cut adhesive parts. Working alongside key supply partners such as 3M, Du Pont, Pall, Rogers Tesa, the business expanded into the automotive, defence and healthcare sectors to name just a few. In January 2005 Parafix was bought by Managing Director Michael Punter and Operations Director Colin Wills, and following this the company has invested in new equipment including a state-of-the-art clean room, laser cutter, and pick and place machines. Parafix has also focused on training, process optimisation and customer service systems. Alongside these developments, Parafix has opened an already successful subsidiary in Budapest, Hungary to service the growing markets in Central Europe. Never losing sight of its origins, Parafix remains a keen advocate of the local business community, whilst its low staff turnover and family feel create a working environment envied by many. Indeed, 25% of employees are related to another member of the team . Summing up the company’s continued success, Michael Punter commented; “The main reason we have been here for 35 years is the quality of our team, who are highly knowledgeable, totally dedicated to their chosen profession, as well as focused on always delivering the best solutions for our customers. Our thanks go to them and their families for their hard work and support over the past three and a half decades. “Meanwhile, our recent investments have also helped to create the perfect environment for our team to thrive and continue to deliver the best possible customer service for the foreseeable future.”
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