Plastics publisher completes Interplas purchase

Interplas, the UK’s largest plastics industry exhibition, has been fully acquired by Rapid News Communications Group. The company has now completed the purchase of the event from Reed Exhibitions.

Interplas is the only UK event to cover all of the manufacturing processes, technologies and services within the plastics industry, and has been under the management of Rapid News since 2011, during which time the event has undergone a remarkable turnaround with visitors, exhibitors and floorspace all increasing during both the 2011 and recent 2014 editions.

The purchase, for an undisclosed amount, concludes a period of licence during which Rapid News have revitalised the event. Much of this success is attributed by the company to the unique position it holds operating the key European plastics publications British Plastics and Rubber (BP&R), European Plastic Product Manufacturer (EPPM) and Medical Plastics News (MPN). The strength of audience reach offered by these media brands, along with a deep history in the sector built on long-term relationships, has accelerated the return of the event to the standout plastics event in the UK.

Commenting on the acquisition by Rapid News, Philip Law, Director-General of the British Plastics Federation, said: “Interplas now has a clear direction and confidence in the future. It is a further step in the process of making the UK a 'go to place' globally for plastics technology and products.”

Nigel Flowers, Chairman of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA), said: “From both the PMMDA and UK polymer industry viewpoint it is great news that Interplas has now found a permanent ‘home’ in the Rapid News portfolio. The market needs a showcase event, and this is found in Interplas. It has been especially encouraging to see Interplas flourish this year and we are confident that this success will continue under Rapid’s control.”

Duncan Wood, C.O.O and Event Director at Rapid News Communications Group, commented: “Interplas has continued its resurgence under our management this year and we are delighted now to formally announce the conclusion of the acquisition and officially add it to our already strong plastics portfolio, strengthening our commitment to the UK and wider European plastics industry. 2014 represented a second consecutive edition with solid growth on all the key metrics of number of visitors, exhibitors and space sold and we now have a fantastic foundation which to build the event and we look forward to working with our partners, exhibitors and key associations such as the BPF and PMMDA to develop a world class showcase for the UK plastics industry in 2017."

Interplas 2017 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on September 26th-28th, 2017.