Forming a critical part of the company’s wider growth strategy, incumbent Managing Director Neil Garrity will continue to serve as Chair. At the same time, Mark Preston is named as the new Commercial Director. Following a management buy-in by all three leaders in mid-2024, the transition to Managing Director will be seamless assures Judson.
New Leadership Vision Focused on Growth and Sustainability
Announcing this exciting next chapter for the business to the 60-strong team first, Judson confirms that all three leaders, along with founder John Sturgess, remain totally aligned in their vision for MGS Technical Plastics. Specifically, Judson highlights the company’s unwavering focus on firm growth and investments in people, more sustainable machinery and technology, while also maintaining the Blackburn company’s rich culture and dedication to customer service.
Assuming the role on April 15, 2025, Judson states: “I am honoured to accept the position of Managing Director. The company’s unwavering commitment to people, progress and culture has propelled us through 50 years of success, and I’m humbled to continue John and Neil’s legacy and be part of this journey. By being good stewards of the firm and staying true to our core values, I’m confident that MGS Technical Plastics will continue to rapidly grow, evolve and navigate commercial challenges for many more decades.”
Commercial Success Amidst Market Challenges
Despite market-wide cost and wage rises, MGS Technical Plastics outperformed much of the market reporting moderate growth in the last 12 months. Judson attributes much of this commercial success to the unity and strong team effort.
“We remain firmly focused on long-term stability and growth, underpinned by delivering the highest standards and quality to customers,” adds Mark Preston.
Building Careers and Expanding Facilities
Mark, Judson and Neil’s stories are indicative of the opportunities that the sector continues to offer professionals with the drive to make a difference. All three began their careers as apprentice toolmakers, Judson in South Africa and Mark as one of the first to complete a UK technician engineer's apprenticeship. Having all worked their way up within the Lancashire business makes the MGS leadership team uniquely positioned to appreciate the diverse career pathways and progression opportunities, relays Judson.
Like Chair Neil Garrity, Judson swiftly climbed the ranks in operations and technical, steering MGS towards its vision. Welcoming the appointment of Judson as his successor, Neil comments: “This next leadership chapter is all part of our succession strategy and ambitious growth plans that will drive the business forward.”
Teamwork features front and centre of Judson’s strategy. He calls it ‘moving the success needle together’. “Our authentic people-focused culture creates a cycle of excellence. My top priority is to ensure that this continues and that our people feel secure and proud to work here.”
Offering additional holiday leave for long serving team members is just one perk that Judson announced when sharing the leadership changes. He also confirmed that expansion of the company’s physical footprint utilising adjacent premises for more office and factory space is also rapidly taking shape.
Since moving to its current location in 2013, MGS Technical Plastics has invested more than £3 million in its new facility, enhancing its operations with modern, efficient machinery, industry 4.0 technology, and the development of its people.
