Built on Decades of Loyalty and Quality: Allthread Plastics Marks Its Golden Jubilee Year

Basildon-based plastic injection moulding and industrial fastener specialist Allthread Plastics is officially celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of engineering precision, operational resilience, and deep-rooted manufacturing heritage in the UK.

Founded in January 1976 by June and Allan Hampson, the company began its journey in a small unit and office built within the factory of June’s uncle. Their original goal was straightforward: to supply the Wholesale Refrigeration Industry with threaded rod.

In its earliest days, operating long before the internet, daily paperwork and administrative tasks took significantly longer than they do today. Monthly statements had to be photocopied at the local library and posted by hand, and international communication required utilising a local company just to contact their first customer in Australia – a dedicated client they still proudly serve today using digital communications.

The early years brought distinct operational hurdles, including an immediate battle over the company name, Allthread Plastics, which they were thankfully permitted to keep. By May 1976, the company secured its first order, followed shortly by a major breakthrough with a large order from a company in Holland.

While they initially bought in external nuts and washers to accompany their core studding products, the arrival of their first Austin Allen moulding machine enabled them to manufacture nylon nuts and washers in-house alongside bespoke components. This capability laid the foundation for their expansion into injection moulding during the 1980s and 1990s. To house this evolving machinery, they constructed a secondary factory next door, joining the structures into a unified, larger dual-factory setup.

When Allthread established itself in the 1970s, Basildon was a growing new town encouraged to cultivate manufacturing excellence, driven by expanding industrial businesses like the Ford tractor plant. In recent years, while the local estate has largely evolved away from production and into the service industry, Allthread Plastics stands strong as one of the only long-standing original manufacturers still remaining in its sector.

Today, Allthread Plastics differentiates itself from high-volume trade moulders by specialising in custom tooling, technical adaptability, and niche production runs. The company actively takes on complex “Concept Projects,” translating client designs into physical realities through low-volume custom mouldings that larger trade moulders cannot provide. This specialist operation ensures full product integrity while utilising injection moulding machines that work off hydraulic and electronic processes, with continuous improvements in safety and controllability achieved through technological advances.

The company attributes its remarkable longevity to a robust supplier base, excellent customer relationships, and an incredibly loyal workforce.

This commitment to continuity is championed by current Managing Director Mike Stone, who has been with the company since 2013, alongside Director Lorraine Stone and Operations Manager Rosey Shrosbree, who lead the modern business while preserving its traditional family values.

Commenting on the landmark milestone, Managing Director Mike Stone said:

“As the current MD of Allthread, it has been a pleasure to be here since 2013 and subsequently see this great company through its 50th year, and with the help of a great team we are now looking towards the next milestone.”

Under their leadership, Allthread continues to boast an incredibly stable team, with many members serving for over a decade. This includes “setting wizard” Steve, who has kept the mould shop running like a well-oiled machine for 42 years, possessing a deep knowledge of the unique idiosyncrasies of their injection moulding machinery.

The manufacturer also highlights sales expert Dee, who has served the customer base inside out for 30 years, and Production Coordinator Chris (pictured below left), who joined as an apprentice straight from college 16 years ago to take the reins of machining.

Moving forward through 2026, the directors are heavily focussed on sustainable growth, actively reducing the company’s environmental footprint by integrating a circular manufacturing process. The company already breaks down plastic residue to be reused in future production cycles, melts down plastic components to be re-injected, and designs fully recyclable products, all while sourcing materials exclusively from ISO 9002-certified suppliers to maintain full product integrity. Their strategic target for 2026 is to expand their current marketplace by focussing on new bespoke mouldings and tooling as clients branch out into new ranges.

Following a private team celebration held on Friday 15th May, Allthread Plastics enters its next half-century backed by decades of proven quality, dedicated leadership, and technical expertise.

Allthread Plastics
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