integrated thermoplastic forming and fabrication company.
We form, trim and assemble specialist products to many industries - typically OEMs.
We offer products based on Plastic Forming, CNC Trimming and Plastic Fabrication.
Our mission is simple; To deliver innovative solutions in plastic thermoforming and finishing, along with customer satisfaction and value for money.
We aim to provide a harmonious work environment which encourages employees growth and development.
Whether your projects requires rapid soft tooling for prototypes, cast or machined tools for production, you can be assured of attention to detail at every stage.
Richard has been with the company for many years, gaining hands on experience in all departments, which gives him the depth of knowledge needed to control the quality of our product and service.
We are members of the Lancashire Business Environment Association and through this body and it’s associates, we work to actively promote improved environmental practices. We are particularly proud to have been commended with an award for Waste Minimisation. This recognises the real acheivements made by the business in the areas of:
Unlike some materials, for example, GRP / composites, we actively promote recyclable materials to our customers. Such as, aluminium, ABS, steel, HIPS and many more. This is so the customers with an ‘end of life’ strategy (EOL) can readily recycle the products, minimising the impact on the environment.
Plastic Sheets Ltd is an online brokerage we have set up in order to create a community of companies using plastic sheeting to buy and sell their stock. Plastic Sheets aims to have environmental responsibility as a central value. Use of our brokerage service helps businesses to save resources, minimise energy use and reduce wastage. Follow the link to have a look at the plastic sheets
J & A Kay began life in 1946 and was incorporated as a limited company in 1957.
Returning from the war, Joe Kay with his wife, Annie, decided to support their young family with the skill and artistry of Joe’s own fair hands. The mix of his skill as an engraver and the establishment in Darwen of ICI “Perspex” provided the catalyst - J & A Kay was in business.
The journey began in 1946, with engraving by hand, this was soon supplemented by machine engraving. In 1962, the company needed larger premises and the first building at “Cotton Hall” was acquired. When sign-making eclipsed engraving as the main activity, more factory space was bought adjoining the original and the first crude thermoforming steps were taken.
In 1959, Bill, the eldest of Joe and Annie’s three sons, joined the business, engraving like his father. Joe, the second son, joined in 1962 and developed the early plastic forming processes. In 1978, David, the current MD joined the company,
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, thermoforming developed to become the principle company activity. More production space was built, employment grew, ovens, presses and specialist vacuum forming machines were installed, and the customer base expanded to encompass some of the UK’s leading companies.
A Family Business & a Business Family
Now a third generation business, the company has a highly experienced and well established Management Team, committed to customer service and continued innovation.
J&A Kay has also grown into a family of businesses. In addition to our core activity of plastic forming and fabrication, we have two divisions;
