Celebrating its 60th birthday, the company has a rich history of technical innovation.
Only 5% of companies established in the UK make it to 60 years, and Cotswolds-based Cotek is delighted to achieve this tremendous goal.
Founded in the 1960s by Stuart Hazel who pioneered silicone-coated materials, Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds soon became its home. The expansive facilities gave the business the capacity to develop groundbreaking products that made them market leaders.
In 1980 Cotek led the industry with its solvent-based silicone release liners, spearheading single-sided thermally curing coatings.
A new era began when the Hazel family took full ownership of the business and in 1990 Cotek became the first British company to use solvent-free silicone coating.
With more investment into the premises and the team, in 1999 Cotek developed the manufacturing of double-sided silicone coatings. It was the first, and still is only UK company capable of applying double-sided silicone coatings in a single operation.
2002 saw the development of radical-curing UV silicone coatings and expansion into the pure film coating market.
In 2021 a new chapter began with Laufenberg GmbH acquiring Cotek, providing the business with even greater technical expertise and a wider global reach.
Owner of Laufenberg GmbH, Jorg Soding commented, “Our business values are so aligned and we love working with the inspirational and dedicated team in the UK led by Karl Gater. Bringing together our technical expertise and knowledge of the markets we operate in, means we can create unique solutions for our customers.”
The past couple of years have seen significant investment in the business with the purchase of a new narrow roll slitter, as well as the installation of a 196 kWh solar power system at the Cotswolds premises.
Karl Gater, who became Managing Director of Cotek in 2023 commented, “Our team is such an integral part of our success. With some team members who have been with us for over 40 years working alongside new team members, we have the perfect combination of experience, knowledge and hunger for growth to drive our global business forward for the next 60 years.”
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