Baerlocher UK expands calcium-based PVC stabiliser capacity
- Founded as a distributor in 1973 in Dorking and relocated to Bury in 1990.
- Factory planned in 1996; production began in 1997 (powders) and first locally made granules were delivered in December 2000.
- In 2022 Baerlocher UK increased capacity for calcium-based PVC stabilisers by more than 50% with new mixing and granulation units.
- Developed Ca/Zn stabiliser systems for cable lead-substitution after Nordic waste-incineration rules; tech was rolled out across Northern Europe.
Origins and early years
The UK operation began in 1973 as a distributor called "Barlocher" in Dorking. The team moved to Bury in 1990 where a small, close-knit group expanded sales across the region.
Local production established
Plans for a factory were set in 1996. Production at Bury started in 1997, initially making powder additives while granules were still sourced from Germany. The first locally produced granules were mixed and shipped in December 2000.
Technical focus and market drivers
At Plast '97 Baerlocher promoted Ca/Zn stabilisers for cable applications. New waste-incineration guidelines, led by Denmark, accelerated lead substitution in cables and increased demand for Ca/Zn systems. The Bury site worked closely with R&D to develop systems used across Northern Europe, then in Italy, France and Germany.
Recent expansion and market positioning
In 2022 Baerlocher UK expanded its calcium-based PVC stabiliser capacity by more than 50% through new mixing and granulation units to address expected demand for solid calcium-based systems that can replace liquid stabilisers in recyclable PVC applications. The company marked its 50th anniversary in 2023 and emphasises supply security for the UK and Ireland post-Brexit.
