From left to right: Mark Preston, Judson Smythe and Neil GarrityJudson Smythe has been appointed as the new managing director of
MGS Technical Plastics, one of the UK’s fastest-growing injection moulding companies which serves all industries and markets. At the same time, Mark Preston has been named as the new commercial director and the company’s former managing director Neil Garrity has become chair. These structural changes follow a management buy-out by all three directors in mid-2024.
Mr Smythe has confirmed that the management team, along with founder John Sturgess, remain totally aligned in their vision for the future direction of MGS Technical Plastics. Specifically, he highlights the company’s unwavering focus on solid growth, investments in people and more sustainable machinery and technology, while also maintaining the Blackburn company’s rich culture and dedication to customer service.
Mr Smythe said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as managing director. The company’s unwavering commitment to people, progress and culture has propelled us through 50 years of success, and I am humbled to continue John and Neil’s legacy and be part of this journey. By being good stewards of the firm and staying true to our core values, I am confident that MGS will continue to grow, evolve and navigate commercial challenges for many more decades.”
Despite market-wide cost increases and wage rises, MGS has outperformed much of the market reporting moderate growth in the last 12 months. Mr Smythe attributes much of this commercial success to the unity and effort of the 60-strong team at the firm. He added: “We remain firmly focused on long-term stability and growth, underpinned by delivering the highest standards and quality to customers.”
Diverse career pathwaysThe directors’ stories are indicative of the opportunities that the sector continues to offer professionals with the drive to make a difference. All three began their careers as apprentice toolmakers, Mr Judson in South Africa and Mr Preston as one of the first to complete a UK technician engineer’s apprenticeship. Mr Judson said that as they have all worked their way up within the Lancashire business, they are uniquely positioned to appreciate the diverse career pathways and progression opportunities available to their staff.
Like Mr Garrity, Mr Smythe has swiftly climbed the ranks in operations and technical. Welcoming the appointment of his successor, Mr Garrity said: “This next leadership chapter is all part of our succession strategy and ambitious growth plans that will drive the business forward.”
Teamwork features front and centre of Mr Smythe’s strategy, and he refers to it as ‘moving the success needle together’. He added: “Our authentic people-focused culture creates a cycle of excellence. My top priority is to ensure that this continues and that our people feel secure and proud to work here.”
Offering additional holiday leave for long-serving team members is just one perk that he announced when sharing the leadership changes with the staff. He also confirmed that expansion plans are in place into adjacent premises which will provide more office and factory space.
Since moving to its current location in 2013, MGS Technical Plastics has invested more than £3 million in its facility, enhancing its operations with modern, efficient machinery, industry 4.0 technology, and the development of its people.