One of the UK’s longest-serving manufacturing leaders has been recognised with a national Lifetime Achievement Award, marking more than 70 years in industry.
Gerald Bloom, chairman of Droitwich-based
Big Pear Plastic Products, received the accolade at the National Family Business Dinner in recognition of a career that has spanned seven decades and included the creation of two successful manufacturing businesses.
Now 89, Bloom first built Midland Industrial Plastics (MIP) from the ground up, growing the company to employ 1,000 people and achieve annual sales of £90 million. He sold the business to US corporation Textron in 1998, providing the investment needed to support the automotive industry’s increasingly demanding just-in-time supply chains.
Rather than retire, Bloom teamed up with long-term friend and colleague Peter Raby to establish Big Bear Plastic Products. Initially focused on supplying specialist thermoformed products to smaller businesses, the company steadily expanded through a reputation for quality, reliability and customer service.
By the time his daughter, Emma Hockley, joined the business in 2019, Big Bear had developed into a multi-million-pound operation supplying major manufacturers including JCB and Caterpillar.
Reflecting on the award, Bloom said: “It was a very special moment to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“My manufacturing journey started by putting a job advert in the paper and a role on a plastics company shopfloor. It was a real learning experience that taught me a lot of lessons that have stayed with me over the next 70 years.”
He added: “If I had to put my success down to any particular qualities, it would probably be having energy, enthusiasm and a bit of foresight. Beyond that, I would say that I have always been a great believer in treating people properly and communicating clearly.”
Bloom’s career has extended beyond manufacturing. He won the RAC British Rally Championship in 1965 and remains actively involved in the day-to-day running of Big Bear as the company pursues further growth.
His contribution was also celebrated on his 89th birthday with the unveiling of a portrait painted by Big Bear finance administrator Kate Brick. The self-taught artist spent several months creating the work, which was revealed during a special event at the company’s Droitwich headquarters attended by employees, family members and long-standing colleagues.
“I wanted to create a portrait worthy of someone whose life and achievements meant enough to his family that they wanted to present it publicly on his birthday,” said Brick. “I simply had to ‘Make it Happen’ as Gerald would say.”
While Bloom continues to support the business, the company is investing heavily in its future. A recent £2 million programme has delivered new manufacturing equipment and a modern ERP system, alongside JOSCAR registration and certification to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
These developments are helping Big Bear target opportunities in the off-highway, aerospace and defence sectors, while the company is also exploring how artificial intelligence can be integrated into factory and office operations. The firm is aiming to achieve annual sales of £10 million by mid-2027.
Emma Hockley said her father’s influence on both the company and wider plastics industry had been substantial.
“My dad’s contribution to the plastics industry has been phenomenal,” she said. “In his seven decades of service he has implemented new moulding techniques, developed new materials and embraced industry processes.
“He has also provided meaningful employment to thousands of people over the years, and not once have I heard a bad word said about him. He is described, without exception, as honourable and remains, even approaching his 90th year, relentlessly ambitious.
“Most days he can still be found out on the shopfloor, usually in a pristine suit and tie under his hi-vis.”