Taylor Engineering & Plastics Completes Testing of New SMC Compression Moulding Presses

Rochdale-based plastics manufacturer Taylor Engineering & Plastics (TEP) has successfully completed final acceptance testing for two new 1,200-tonne sheet moulding compound (SMC) compression moulding presses at Cannon ERGOS in Milan, Italy. The milestone marks further progress in the company’s investment in new manufacturing capabilities, with delivery soon ahead of commissioning and production in early 2027.

Scott Taylor, Ian Taylor and Jack Taylor recently visited Cannon ERGOS in Milan to complete the final acceptance testing, with both machines now successfully signed off and preparing for delivery to TEP’s Rochdale manufacturing facility.

The investment was originally announced in 2025 and involves two purpose-built vertical compression moulding presses supplied by Italian machinery manufacturer Cannon. The project will introduce SMC processing to TEP’s existing range of plastics manufacturing technologies.

Expanding TEP’s Plastics Manufacturing Capabilities

The new presses will enable TEP to manufacture large, durable and complex SMC components in medium-to-high production volumes, complementing its established capabilities in thermoplastic injection moulding, structural foam moulding and DCPD moulding.

The introduction of SMC will provide customers with additional manufacturing options, while opening opportunities in sectors including transport infrastructure, rail and construction.

TEP also offers in-house tooling, painting, finishing and assembly services, allowing customers to source moulded and finished components through the same manufacturer.

Preparing for Production in 2027

Preparations for the machinery installation have been progressing throughout 2026. During the summer, mechanical, electrical and civil works began at TEP’s Rochdale facility to accommodate the two large compression moulding presses.

With final acceptance testing now complete, the next stages will involve delivery, installation and commissioning of the machinery, ahead of the planned introduction of SMC production in early 2027.

The latest development follows TEP’s wider programme of investment in manufacturing equipment and facilities, including the commissioning of a 2,200-tonne Wittmann injection moulding machine in September 2025.

Read more news from Taylor Engineering & Plastics here.

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