Advanced Materials has expanded its silicone rubber extrusion manufacturing capability with the acquisition of a new production unit in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The investment increases the company’s total extrusion capacity by 50% within four years and forms part of a structured, long-term UK manufacturing growth strategy.
The new facility, located at Unit P4, Riverside Industrial Estate, Bridge Road, Littlehampton, complements the company’s existing factory at Lineside Industrial Estate. Importantly, this is not a relocation but an expansion designed to increase silicone extrusion capacity, improve operational flow, and strengthen supply resilience for customers across industrial and regulated sectors.
Increasing Silicone Extrusion Capacity from Six to Nine Lines
With the addition of the new unit, Advanced Materials now operates nine silicone extrusion lines across two sites in Littlehampton. Line 6 was installed in 2018, followed by lines 7 and 8 in 2022. The new facility houses the company’s ninth extrusion line, with space to accommodate up to four lines over the next five years.
This expansion represents a 50% increase in production capacity and significantly enhances the company’s ability to support both high-volume manufacturing and technically complex silicone extrusion projects.
The first machine has already been delivered, with limited production scheduled to begin by the end of May following refurbishment and modernisation works.
Supporting High-Volume and Bespoke Silicone Extrusions
The newer extrusion lines are optimised for production runs exceeding 5,000 metres, making them particularly suited to OEMs, distributors and manufacturers requiring consistent, large-scale supply. Meanwhile, existing lines remain configured to efficiently produce shorter runs from as little as 10 metres.
This dual-capability structure enables Advanced Materials to support:
- Bespoke silicone rubber profiles
- Custom extruded seals and gaskets
- High-temperature and fire-retardant silicone grades
- FDA and food-grade silicone applications
- Industrial and regulated sector requirements
By combining scalable capacity with in-house toolmaking, tight tolerances (Class E1 as standard), and ISO-accredited quality systems, the company continues to provide reliable, technically robust silicone solutions.
Commitment to UK Manufacturing and Export Markets
Advanced Materials has been manufacturing in Littlehampton since 1986 and has operated from its current Lineside site since 1998. Approximately 60% of production is export-focused, supplying customers across the UK, Europe and international markets.
The expansion strengthens the company’s ability to support domestic and international customers with reliable lead times, full material traceability and consistent silicone performance.
Gareth Coombes, Managing Director, commented: “The new unit enables us to increase our extrusion capacity and maintain control of quality. We’ve taken a measured approach to expansion, ensuring infrastructure, systems and team capability are aligned with growth.”
Villeater Gladman, Technical Director, added: “Sustainable growth in manufacturing isn’t just about adding machines. It’s about strengthening quality systems, process control and technical capability alongside capacity. This investment allows us to support more technically demanding applications while maintaining reliability.”
Long-Term, Structured Growth
Unlike short-term expansion driven purely by rapid scaling, this investment forms part of an ongoing reinvestment strategy focused on productivity, modernisation and operational resilience.
The new 2,809 sq ft unit is owned by Advanced Materials, reinforcing its long-term commitment to manufacturing in West Sussex. As a family-led business, the company continues to invest in skills development, apprenticeships and long-term employment in the region.
For engineers, purchasing managers and resellers seeking a scalable UK silicone extrusion manufacturer, the expansion provides increased capacity, improved workflow efficiency and enhanced support for high-volume and technically complex projects.
Speak to a Silicone Extrusion Specialist
If you are specifying silicone rubber extrusions, developing a custom profile, or reviewing your current supplier capability, our technical team can provide guidance on material grades, tolerances and production volumes.
To discuss your requirements or request a quotation, visit: www.siliconerubberextrusions.co.uk