Reminisce

Ridat Co, originally known as Ridat Engineering Co Ltd, was started during the war years. It was only in the early 60’s that the company moved into the manufacturing thermoforming machinery and allied ancillaries like Skin & Blister Packaging Equipment. The growing use of Plastics throughout all fields of Industry had created a demand for more in-house machines which, although sophisticated in function, did not require highly skilled operators.

Ted Jackman, of Parnavac fame, essentially developed the Ridat range with the support of Jim Drisse, Geoff Tibble and Frank Brewer. Other key members of the Ridat team were Richard Mayer, Mike Pilinger and Don Balls.

All manner of end products were then being used in almost every conceivable form including blister & packaging, display, disposables, industrial, etc.The use of Plastic sheet has proved to have unlimited applications, and new ideas for its use emerges every day.

Ridat machinery were designed to be incorporated into production line systems and low cost installation and superior operating efficiencies that provided manufacturers with attractively economic possibilities for many types of plastics sheet handling operations.

Some exhibition participation

1) PAKEX – 1983 NEC, Birmingham

On the stand, were 3024ATF (then known as Super 31), 3020MM Midmatic Vacuum Forming Machine (then the work horse for most trade formers), 3121 Semi-automatic Vacuum Former, Model 276RCP Roller Press and the ever popular 1518 4 station rotary Blister Sealer.

2) INTERPLAS – 1990 NEC, Birmingham

On show were 1004ABP Automatic Blister Packaging System and 1610APF Pressure Former.

3) PLASTINDIA – 1990 New Delhi, India

As part of the British Pavilion. On show was 1610APF Pressure Former complete with reciprocating stacker.