The students and their tutor visited the GRP facility to understand the processes involved and to collaborate with our composite moulding experts to identify which materials and processes will perform best in the extreme conditions of the challenge. An epoxy resin system with a carbon skin and foam core was selected, for its significant weight and strength advantages.

GRP Laminates moulded the upper body shell of the car, into which the solar ‘engine’ panels will be fitted, and the internal structure of the vehicle, with Bentley providing the undercarriage. Following assembly of the car at the GRP Laminates facility in the Isle of Wight, it was taken to UCL for final fit-out and trials.

GRP Laminates supplies composite RTM-moulded door skins for the Piper Group’s Armourdoor range, pictured above, beating competition from manufacturers in Turkey, India and the Far East.

Ray Kemp, Purchasing Manager at Piper explains: “We were buying from China until we found GRP Laminates. There are cost factors involved in UK manufacturing, but these are outweighed by the convenience and flexibility of dealing more locally. We can manage our stock more flexibly and serve our customers more easily and efficiently.”

Working with Tyneside-based Homeseal Windows, GRP Laminates has developed a number of innovative, high performance products, including a hybrid door that combines the benefits of PVCu systems with composite skins and suites of matching garage and front doors. “We wanted to create a ‘best of both worlds’ product,” says Homeseal MD Michael Mordew. “Something that would meet the high security and thermal performance expectations of our customers and solve all the problems of ordinary composite doors.”

For Exterior Plas in Epping Forest, the RTM team and resin specialists have developed a shiny-skinned fire door specifically designed for the social housing market. James Saggers, Fire Products Manager explains “GRP Laminates have the expertise, they clearly understand the importance of quality, and they were keen to collaborate on developing a new product line that meets an urgent need.”

GRP Laminates have developed a fibreglass moulded cover for carpark ticket machines, working with a UK company that has since been bought out by the global security and access company Alfia, part of the Stanley Group.