Monday, June 13, 2016

Rutland Plastics Ltd Oakham celebrated its 60th anniversary on Saturday

Rutland Plastics Ltd Oakham celebrated its 60th anniversary on Saturday

















Address: Cold Overton Rd, Oakham LE15 6NU
Phone:01572 723476



2016 see’s Rutland Plastics celebrate its 60th anniversary. 

To mark the occasion, the Oakham based family firm organised a mini festival for all employees and their families; held at the showground the day and evening event had something for all. 

Family fun by day included a range of traditional summer fete activities, plus Rodeo Bull, Laser Quest, face painting, balloon modelling and magicians with a host of food and drink stalls. By evening the local five-piece band, The Reason entertained with a live mix of classic indie, rock and pop to dance to.

Injection moulders Rutland Plastics was founded in 1956 by Ron Smart and Don Ansell, with the pair selling their cars to raise enough money for the first two moulding machines. In the last six decades’ successes and constant reinvestment has built-up the company’s capabilities, capacity, size and strength while still retaining its family lineage and close community ties. Today the company has a £10 million turnover and employs 110 staff.

Family values and integrity lie at the heart of the business, a mini RP festival seemed the most inclusive way to celebrate and thank all our staff for their loyalty and contribution to the company’s longevity and success.” added Steve Ayre, MD and grandson of Don Ansell.

Additional information

Initially specializing in plastic flowers, the 1960’s saw the company move into larger premises and the additional production of plastic toys and pet accessories, whilst increasing trade items such as nameplates for Ford.

By the 1970’s the company was employing 70 people and exporting to Sweden, a new moulding shop and bay saw the company double in size, securing a contract with British Gas the company t/o reached £1 million.


Today, Rutland Plastics is an established firm with a t/o of £10 million, having completely redeveloped the site and added a 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse. The company is one of the main employers in Oakham with some shop floor staff third generation employees.