York Plastics are a small, family run business focusing on traditional values of hard work and reward. Our work is all low volume and diverse which keeps things interesting. Staff tend to come and stay so our staff turnover is low to non existent. Consequently we now have combined workshop experience of 80+ years in the plastics engineering business.
Staff
Rob Walsh
After graduating from Loughborough University with a degree in Automotive Engineering, Rob joined the Met Police as an engineer. Working first in the department where vehicles are evaluated and modified for police use, Rob then moved into physical protection. Amongst other projects, Rob was part of the team which specified, tested and procured MetVest, the first personal issue Police Body armour in the UK and was also involved in the specification and testing of the Met’s fleet of discreetly armoured vehicles. After a brief time out in Scotland, Rob joined the family business of York Plastics Engineering Ltd with a brief to learn the ropes and then develop the CAD and CNC machining side of the business. Rob is now MD of the firm and runs things with his wife, Zoe. They have 2 girls.
In his spare time (i.e. once in a blue moon) Rob likes spending time in his garage and tinkering with cars. In and out of the garage at the moment are a 1951 Land Rover, and a 1971 MG Midget.
Zoe Walsh
Zoe graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Jewellery Design and Silversmithing. After working for a period in London’s Hatton Garden jewellery quarter, Zoe and Rob decided London was not for them and took some time out living the simple life in Scotland. After joining York Plastics, part time at first, Zoe set about learning the ropes in the office. Once the kids went to school full time she took over as company secretary and now works full time, dividing her time between the office and lending a hand in the workshop whenever she can. When she can steal a moment for herself, Zoe likes to swim or go walking on the beach. She’s also quite partial to a glass of Pinot Grigio.
Toby Tyler
Toby joined the team in 2012 as an apprentice. In his first year he won runner up apprentice of the year for his training establishment, Derwent Training Association, in a very strong year. In both his second and third years he went one better and won the apprentice of the year prize. Toby is now mostly seen programming or running our CNC lathes and machining centres making models and prototypes.
Having now given up his footballing aspirations following knee surgery, Toby now divides his time between playing with his early cycle-wings and aeroscreens kit car and the pub located at the end of his parents garden.
Jeremy Underwood
Jeremy is our current apprentice, taken on in 2015 after Toby’s successful completion of his apprenticeship. Jeremy has taken to the job like a duck to water and is learning fast. He is now our go-to guy for CNC router work. Jeremy is a keen footballer and captain of his local cricket team this year. He also likes a practical joke, so if you can’t find your car keys at home time you know which direction to look in. Outside of this he can mostly be found raiding his mum’s kitchen cupboards and eating.
Gordon Smith
Gordon joined York Plastics in 1986, so has already celebrated 30 years with the company. With a background in traditional signmaking and plastic fabrication, Gordon specialises in manufacturing display cases, plinths and mounts for museums and the like, and brings a wealth of experience to the company.
With his two sons now grown and left home, Gordon has hung up his youth football coaching boots. Having recently moved to part time working he now has ample opportunity to exercise his passion for DIY, but when the mood takes him he likes nothing better than to get his fishing rods out and sit in the rain somewhere.
Rob Evans
Rob is another longstanding member of the team. Having joined the company as an apprentice in 1991 at the tender age of 16, Rob worked hard at his apprenticeship and grabbed any and every opportunity to learn his trade. He really found his niche when CAD and CNC machines were first introduced to the company, and he has immense experience machining and fabricating with plastic materials. Unfortunately this tends to mean he gets saddled with the more awkward jobs!
Rob is notable for having deep pockets. If a tool isn’t where it’s meant to be, chances are it’s safe and sound in Rob’s pocket. That, or rattling around in his washing machine at home.
Dad of 2, Rob likes getting away in his caravan and spicy food.