Celebrating 40 Years of RGH Rubber & Plastics

April 1st marks a significant milestone for RGH Rubber & Plastics – 40 years in business.

What began in 1986 as a small operation has grown into a trusted, globally recognised material converting partner, built on vision, hard work, and a consistent commitment to quality.

From Modest Beginnings to a Growing Business

RGH was founded by Robert George Hildrow, the “RGH” behind the name, in a small industrial unit in Great Dunmow. The business initially focused on converting a limited range of rubber components, supporting local manufacturing requirements.

Even in those early years, it was clear the business had ambition.

By 1989, that ambition had already taken shape with the development of Acorn House, which remains RGH’s headquarters today. This move marked an important step forward and laid the foundation for future growth.

Evolving with Customer Needs

As customer requirements evolved, so did RGH.

What began as rubber component manufacturing expanded into:

• Self-adhesive solutions
• Foam materials
• Specialist sealing and bonding applications
• Noise and vibration control solutions

Today, RGH operates as a specialist material converting partner, supporting manufacturers with performance-critical applications through tailored solutions and precision processes.

This evolution reflects the company’s commitment to adapting, improving, and solving real-world engineering challenges, a core part of how RGH supports its customers today.

Raising Standards and Expanding Capability

Growth has not only been about expanding product ranges, but also about raising standards.

RGH achieved ISO 9001 certification, followed by TS16949 (now IATF 16949), enabling the business to support the demanding requirements of the automotive sector and other high-spec industries.

Alongside quality development, the company has continued to invest in its capabilities and infrastructure. From a single site, RGH has grown to operate:

• Three manufacturing facilities
• An additional stock-holding property

This expansion has allowed the business to scale while maintaining consistency, precision, and reliability.

Building Strong Partnerships

A key part of RGH’s growth has been the development of strong, long-term partnerships.

Most notably, the company has built a close relationship with 3M, earning recognition as a 3M Preferred Converter. This status reflects RGH’s ability to meet strict standards for quality, capability, and consistency, while providing customers with access to high-performance adhesive solutions backed by expert support.

Today, RGH works with manufacturers across a range of industries, delivering tailored material solutions that support production, improve performance, and reduce complexity.

A Family Business with Strong Values

At the heart of RGH’s 40-year journey is the vision and determination of its founder, Robert Hildrow, known to many as Bob.

Now a proud family-run business, day-to-day operations are led by David Hildrow, who continues to drive the company forward while staying true to the values established from the beginning:

• Loyalty
• Honesty
• Flexibility
• Trust

These values continue to shape how the business operates, how it supports customers, and how it works as a team.

A Team That Drives Success

Behind every milestone at RGH is a dedicated team.

Over the past four decades, the business has supported hundreds of families and built long-standing relationships with customers around the world. Today, RGH employs around 40 people, many of whom have been with the company for decades.

This level of loyalty is a defining feature of the business.

In particular, Colin Taylor’s 33 years of service stands as a testament to the strength of RGH’s culture, alongside many others who have contributed years of commitment and expertise.

It is this experience, consistency, and shared belief in what RGH stands for that continues to set the company apart.

Looking Ahead

Reaching 40 years in business is a moment to reflect, but also an opportunity to look forward.

RGH remains focused on:

• Supporting manufacturers with complex material challenges
• Expanding technical capabilities
• Strengthening key partnerships
• Continuing sustainable growth

The same mindset that has driven the business for the past four decades continues to shape its future.

A Thank You and a Milestone Worth Celebrating

As RGH celebrates this milestone, it is important to recognise the people behind it.

From the founder’s original vision to the team driving the business forward today, this achievement represents a collective effort.

A special congratulations goes to Bob Hildrow, whose determination and commitment laid the foundations for everything RGH has become.

Here’s to the Future

40 years of RGH Rubber & Plastics represents more than longevity.

It reflects innovation, partnership, and consistent progress.

And as the business continues to grow, the focus remains the same — solving challenges, delivering quality, and supporting customers with confidence.

Here’s to the next chapter.