Two PlastikCity Partners Recognised in Make UK 130 Honours

Two PlastikCity Partners have been recognised among the 130 people featured in Make UK’s 130 Honours, celebrating individuals whose achievements, innovation, influence and leadership are helping shape the future of UK manufacturing.

The initiative has been launched to mark Make UK’s 130th anniversary, with the 130 honourees selected from across UK manufacturing, representing businesses ranging from SMEs to larger manufacturers and the wider supply chain. The people recognised have been highlighted for contributions including innovation, skills development, sustainability and leadership.

Among those selected are Judson Smythe of MGS Technical Plastics and Stuart Johnston of Rutland Plastics, both of whom have played significant roles within their respective plastics businesses.

Judson Smythe – MGS Technical Plastics

Judson Smythe, Managing Director of Blackburn-based MGS Technical Plastics, has been recognised by Make UK for his enthusiasm and team-focused approach, as well as successfully leading a management buyout of the business while developing a new side to the company.

Smythe became Managing Director of MGS Technical Plastics in April 2025, following a management buy-in involving himself, Chairman Neil Garrity and Commercial Director Mark Preston. The leadership transition formed part of the company’s wider growth strategy, with MGS continuing to focus on investment in people, technology and more sustainable machinery.

MGS Technical Plastics is a technically led plastic injection moulding business, providing custom-engineered components and supporting customers through services including design and development, tooling and tool transfers, injection moulding, assembly and packaging. The company operates a 24/7 production facility in Blackburn and works with customers ranging from start-ups to global automotive businesses.

The Make UK recognition reflects the importance Smythe places on the people behind the business. Following his appointment, he highlighted teamwork as central to MGS’s strategy, with the company aiming to build on its people-focused culture while continuing its growth and investment programme.

Reflecting on his recognition, Smythe said that he was “extremely honoured” to be included in the 130 Honours, adding that he has spent his career in manufacturing and remains convinced that it is one of the UK’s greatest strengths.

He also credited family, colleagues, customers, mentors and friends who have supported him throughout his career, before looking towards the next generation of UK manufacturers and the future of the country’s industrial sector.

Stuart Johnston – Rutland Plastics

Also included in the 130 Honours is Stuart Johnston of Rutland Plastics, who has been recognised for his commitment to manufacturing innovation and sustainability, as well as his role in driving continuous improvement and strengthening the competitiveness of UK industry through technical excellence and leadership.

Johnston is part of the team at Rutland Plastics, a privately owned custom injection moulder based in Oakham, Rutland. The company has been involved in injection moulding since 1956 and now provides services spanning design, 3D printing and prototyping, mould tooling, injection moulding, project management and additional processes including machining and assembly.

Rutland Plastics has continued to invest in its manufacturing capabilities and sustainability initiatives throughout its development. The company currently operates more than 30 injection moulding machines and produces around seven million parts per year, while its environmental management system is certified to ISO 14001:2015.

2026 is also an important year for the business as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. As part of its continued investment, Rutland Plastics has added a 2,400-tonne Engel injection moulding machine – its largest moulding machine to date.

Johnston’s recognition therefore comes against the backdrop of a company continuing to develop its technical capabilities while maintaining a focus on sustainability, quality and long-term manufacturing expertise.

Celebrating UK Manufacturing

The inclusion of Smythe and Johnston in the Make UK 130 Honours provides recognition not only for their individual contributions, but also for the wider role of the plastics industry within UK manufacturing.

Both MGS Technical Plastics and Rutland Plastics demonstrate different aspects of the sector’s contribution, from technical injection moulding and investment in people and machinery to sustainability, innovation and continuous improvement.

With the 130 Honours bringing together manufacturing leaders and professionals from across the UK, the recognition of two figures from the plastics industry highlights the people and businesses continuing to develop the sector and support the future of British manufacturing.

More news from Make UK can be found here.

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