Past President Hosts Horners at Worcestershire Rotational Moulding Facility

Past BPF President Karen Drinkwater recently welcomed a delegation from The Worshipful Company of Horners to her company, JSC Rotational, located in the heart of Worcestershire.

Karen’s passion for rotational moulding and her drive to raise awareness of its capabilities were evident throughout the visit. Her commitment to innovation and quality continues to position JSC Rotational as a leader in this specialist field.

A Family Legacy with Deep Roots

The company’s history adds a unique dimension to its story. Situated on what was once a working farm, the facility occupies converted farm buildings. The site has been in Karen’s family since the Second World War, and she now represents the third generation to live there.

JSC Rotational was established in 2003 and draws on the extensive expertise of Karen’s husband, Mark, a highly skilled polymer engineer. Together, they have built a company known for both technical excellence and innovative product development.

Touring the Facility: Design to Production

During the visit, the Horners were taken on a tour of the facility, beginning with the design process. It was here they learned how rotational moulding excels in creating large, hollow components. The team demonstrated the use of “kiss points”, a clever design feature that enhances the mechanical strength of products that are already robust by nature.

One of JSC Rotational’s standout successes is its in-house brand, PolyJumps. This line produces a range of equestrian equipment, including colourful show jumping fences and dressage arena components. Known for their durability, these products have earned a strong reputation in the UK market. The company also manufactures more specialised technical items, such as wash stations used for ritual cleansing.

As Karen noted, most customers are UK-based. Due to the hollow nature of the products, international shipping isn’t always cost-effective: “Transporting hollow products often means transporting fresh air,” she remarked with a smile.

In the production area, delegates were introduced to key machinery, including ‘Rock and Roll’ and ‘Carousel’ moulding systems. Karen took the opportunity to clarify a common misconception about the process: despite popular belief, centrifugal force plays no role in rotational moulding. Instead, it’s the gentle action of gravity that enables the even distribution of heated polymer powder within the mould.

The tour concluded in the Assembly Area, where more complex post-moulding operations take place. Here, parts are meticulously cleaned, assembled, and packed for shipment.

The visit offered the Horners an in-depth look at a dynamic manufacturing process led by a team with a clear passion for what they do. It also provided a valuable reminder of the innovation and expertise that exists within the UK plastics sector.