We often talk about the finished product when it comes to polyurethane manufacturing because that’s what the customer sees and is important. However, the processes behind the scenes are just as important in ensuring consistent quality, efficient production and reliable delivery performance.

One key part of our manufacturing operation at Watts Urethane Products is our tunnel oven and so we’ve created this film to talk about it in more depth. Unlike traditional batch ovens, which require products to be loaded and unloaded in separate stages, a tunnel oven operates as a continuous process. Moulds move through controlled curing conditions on a conveyor system, allowing production to flow steadily through the curing cycle.

While this may seem like a simple difference, it brings a number of important advantages.

Consistency is one of the most significant benefits. In polyurethane manufacturing, maintaining the correct curing conditions is essential to achieving the desired physical properties and performance characteristics of the finished product. The tunnel oven provides a controlled environment throughout the curing process, helping to ensure that products are exposed to the same conditions every time. This supports repeatable manufacturing standards and helps maintain the quality our customers expect.

The continuous nature of the process also improves production efficiency. Rather than waiting for an entire batch to complete before the next stage can begin, moulds progress steadily through the oven. This creates a smoother workflow, reduces bottlenecks and helps maximise productivity across the factory. By keeping production moving, the tunnel oven plays an important role in supporting reliable lead times and ensuring customer orders are completed efficiently.

Another advantage is the reduction in manual handling. In many manufacturing environments, moving mould tools between stages can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Because moulds travel through the tunnel oven on a conveyor system, there is less need for manual movement around the factory floor. This not only improves efficiency but also contributes to a safer working environment by reducing handling requirements and minimising associated risks.

Manufacturing excellence is often achieved through a series of well-designed processes working together. The tunnel oven is one example of how engineering, process control and operational efficiency combine to support the production of high-quality polyurethane components.

Although customers may never see the equipment and systems behind the products they receive, these processes are fundamental to delivering the consistency, quality and service that modern manufacturing demands.

At Watts Urethane Products, we continue to focus on refining our processes and investing in the technologies and systems that help us deliver dependable results. The tunnel oven remains an important part of that commitment, helping to ensure that every product moving through our factory benefits from a controlled, efficient, and reliable curing process.

If you’d like to find out more or to enquire about our service contact us on 01594 847150 or email sales@wattspu.co.uk.

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Across the UK, local authorities are under increasing pressure to deliver safe, durable and cost-effective infrastructure while managing tight budgets and reducing ongoing maintenance requirements.

One area where many councils are making a noticeable change is in the selection of street furniture, particularly bollards. Traditionally manufactured from materials such as cast iron, steel, timber or concrete, bollards have long been used to protect pedestrians, manage vehicle access and define public spaces. However, many authorities are now turning to polyurethane alternatives.

So what’s driving this shift?

The Challenge with Traditional Bollards

Bollards are installed in some of the busiest environments imaginable. From town centres, car parks, pedestrianised zones and schools through to retail parks and public highways. Vehicle impact on these bollards are common and even at low-speed this can result in damage that requires repair or replacement. Traditional materials such as cast iron and concrete can crack, chip or break, while steel bollards may bend permanently if hit. For local authorities, this often creates an almost constant cycle of inspection, repair and replacement that can become costly over the lifetime of the installation.

Built to Withstand Impact

One of the key advantages of polyurethane bollards is their ability to absorb impact. Unlike rigid materials that fracture or deform when struck, polyurethane possesses a unique combination of strength and flexibility. When subjected to an impact, the material can flex and recover, reducing the likelihood of permanent damage. We even have an Impact Flex range designed specifically for areas where this is likely.

This makes polyurethane particularly suitable for areas where accidental vehicle contact is common, including:

• Car parks
• Traffic calming schemes
• School zones
• Service roads
• Town centre access points
• Cycle lane segregation projects

Rather than requiring immediate replacement after a collision, polyurethane bollards can often continue performing as intended.

Lower Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance budgets remain a significant concern for local authorities. Every damaged bollard requires inspection, labour, replacement materials and often traffic management measures to complete repairs safely. By reducing the frequency of damage-related replacements, polyurethane bollards can help councils minimise maintenance interventions. The result is less disruption for road users and pedestrians, reduced labour costs and improved asset longevity.

Long-Term Cost Savings

A bollard that requires multiple repairs or replacements throughout its service life can become significantly more expensive than a more durable alternative. Polyurethane bollards offer an attractive balance between durability and lifecycle performance, helping authorities reduce long-term ownership costs while maintaining safety standards. When multiplied across hundreds or even thousands of installations, these savings can become substantial.

Resistance to Weather and Environmental Conditions

Street furniture must perform reliably throughout the year in all weather conditions and this is a major benefit of polyurethane bollards.

Polyurethane offers excellent resistance to:

• Rain and moisture
• UV exposure
• Corrosion
• Road salt
• General environmental degradation

Unlike steel, polyurethane doesn’t rust, unlike timber, it doesn’t rot and unlike some traditional materials, it remains highly durable in challenging outdoor environments including the harsh conditions on the coast. This contributes to a longer service life and a more consistent appearance over time.

They Look Better for Longer

Public spaces are increasingly expected to be both functional and visually appealing. Damaged, chipped or corroded bollards can quickly create a poor impression of an otherwise well-maintained area. Polyurethane bollards are designed to maintain their appearance while standing up to the demands of busy public environments. Their resistance to corrosion and impact damage helps ensure that streetscapes continue to look professional and well cared for.

Bollards play an important role in:

• Protecting pedestrians
• Restricting unauthorised vehicle access
• Creating safer shared spaces
• Supporting cycle infrastructure
• Defining public areas

Polyurethane solutions offer councils a durable and practical option that aligns with these modern infrastructure requirements.

A Smarter Investment

The move towards polyurethane bollards is not simply about adopting a new material. It reflects a broader shift towards infrastructure that delivers long-term value, reduced maintenance requirements and improved resilience. For local authorities managing extensive street furniture networks, these benefits can translate into lower costs, fewer disruptions and improved public spaces. As budgets continue to face pressure and expectations around public infrastructure increase, it is easy to see why more councils are making the switch.

Watch the our video to learn more about the benefits of polyurethane bollards and why they are becoming the preferred choice for local authorities across the UK:

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Tyres of all description arrive at our facility whether they’re worn, weathered or seemingly at the end of their working life. To most, these tractor tyres are just scrap metal hubs but at Watts Urethane, we see the foundation for a high-performance second life.

The journey from a rusted core to a precision-engineered component begins with total restoration. Wheels are cleaned up, which can include shotblasting and painting. The surface is then prepared through various stages, ready for bonding the polyurethane to the wheel centre.

Once cleaned and prepped, the centres are moved into our industrial ovens. Thermal preparation is a critical step, ensuring the metal reaches the optimum temperature to receive the new material.

Next comes the pour. Using custom-built moulds, we cast our specialised polyurethane graded tyres. Unlike standard rubber, our polyurethane is engineered for extreme durability, higher load capacities and superior resistance to the harsh environments these machines can operate in.

To ensure a smooth even finish, the wheels then move to our machining department. With the capacity to handle even the largest wheels in industry, our heavy-duty lathes machine the new surface down to the exact dimensions and tolerances required.

The final stage is where industrial engineering meets true craftsmanship. While the machines provide the precision, our technicians provide the bespoke finish. Every tread is hand-cut to your specific requirements, providing the exact traction and grip your application demands.

The result is a product that doesn’t just match the original…it often exceeds it. By recycling your existing hubs and rebonding them with the expertise of over 50 years in British manufacturing, we provide a solution that is better for the environment and better for your bottom line.

Don’t just replace your wheels. Rebond them with the experts.

If you’d like to find out more then call us on 01594 847150 or email sales@wattspu.co.uk

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One of the biggest advantages of polyurethane is how it handles impact. Traditional materials such as cast iron or steel are rigid so this mean that when they are struck, they either transfer the force into the ground or sustain visible damage themselves. Polyurethane behaves differently because it absorbs and dissipates impact energy, reducing the likelihood of cracking, chipping or a structural failure. We even have a specific Impact Flex range that flexes even further if hit and can rebound back to it’s original form even when driven over. So whether you need a rigid bollard or one that flexes, polyurethane can be produced in different hardnesses to suit.

This ability to absorb bumps makes it particularly effective in environments such as car parks, loading areas and pedestrian zones where minor collisions are common.

Low maintenance by design

Maintenance is where the long-term cost difference becomes obvious when comparing bollard material. Polyurethane bollards don’t require painting, are resistant to corrosion and maintain their appearance even in harsh outdoor environments including coastal locations.

When you compare that with traditional alternatives:

• Steel requires coating and ongoing corrosion management
• Cast iron can chip and needs repainting
• Timber degrades and requires treatment

Polyurethane removes much of this ongoing maintenance burden, making it particularly attractive for councils, facilities managers, and commercial sites managing large estates.

Weather, abrasion and time resistant

Outdoor street furniture is exposed to constant environmental stress from rain, UV exposure, temperature changes and physical wear all contributing to deterioration.

Polyurethane is inherently resistant to:

• Weathering
• Abrasion
• Chipping and surface damage

It also doesn’t corrode and is significantly lighter than traditional materials, making handling and installation easier while maintaining durability. This combination of properties means the bollard continues to perform and look consistent over time, rather than degrading unevenly.

Flexibility in Design and Application

Modern urban environments demand more than just function. Bollards are also part of the visual landscape and this is where polyurethane comes into it’s own. It can be cast into a wide range of shapes and styles, allowing for both contemporary and heritage designs without compromising durability and bollards can even be created to match existing designs if only one needs replacing.

From simple, cost-effective solutions to more traditional styles with decorative detailing, polyurethane offers flexibility without sacrificing performance. At Watts, ranges such as Impact-Flex™, Street-wise, and Heritage demonstrate how the same core material can be adapted to very different use cases and aesthetic requirements.

Lightweight Without Compromising Strength

Weight is often overlooked, but it matters in both installation and performance. Polyurethane bollards are significantly lighter than traditional cast iron alternatives, while still maintaining structural integrity through reinforced cores where required.

This makes them:

• Easier to transport and install
• Safer to handle on-site
• More adaptable to different fixing methods

Customisation where it matters

We understand that no two environments are identical and your bollards often need to meet specific operational or visual requirements.

Polyurethane allows for:

• Custom finishes and colours
• Reflective banding options
• Different fixing methods (root fix, base plate, removable)
• Integration with rails or chains

Some ranges can also be tailored to specific client requirements, allowing projects to meet both functional and aesthetic goals.

The bigger picture: cost vs value

It’s easy to compare bollards on unit price alone. But that approach ignores the factors that actually drive cost over time:

• Maintenance
• Replacement cycles
• Installation effort
• Downtime from damage

Polyurethane performs strongly across all of these areas so what may even look like a higher upfront investment often becomes the lower-cost solution over the lifecycle of the product. Polyurethane bollards are not just an alternative to traditional materials, they represent a shift in how street furniture is specified. Instead of choosing based on initial cost, more organisations are choosing based on durability, maintenance, and long-term performance and that’s where polyurethane consistently proves its value.

The post Why Polyurethane Bollards Are a Smarter Long-Term Investment appeared first on Watts Urethane Products.

When materials are chosen purely on cost, the real expense often appears later. Materials operate under load, friction, temperature variation and chemical exposure, and what looks comparable on paper may perform very differently in practice. This video explores why correct material specification matters and how polyurethane can deliver predictable performance and longer service life in demanding industrial environments.

The post Why the cheapest material often becomes the most expensive appeared first on Watts Urethane Products.

Team Spotlight: Andrew Evans, Business Development Executive

We’re pleased to welcome Andrew Evans to Watts Urethane Products as our Business Development Executive.

Andrew joins the business with over 10 years’ experience in engineering and manufacturing environments, with a strong focus on customer service and business development. His background includes product sales for NHS hospitals as well as providing global telecoms logistics support.

“I was attracted to the role at Watts Urethane Products as it was an opportunity to utilise my skills within a new industry. Watts has a great reputation both locally and with its customer base, and it’s located in the Forest of Dean, which is also where I live.”

At Watts, Andrew will focus on the business development of two key sectors: Wheel & Tyre and Industrial products.

“My role at Watts and key responsibilities will be to continue building and fostering relationships with the existing customer base and to identify new opportunities for future growth.” Although new to the company, Andrew says the team environment made an immediate impression.

“The people have made me so welcome and a great bunch here. Whilst I am new to the company and still learning about the industry, I felt right at home from the outset. There is a positive and supportive environment at Watts where teamwork and respect are valued.”

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family.

“I have a great family around me comprising of my wife, our two boys and our two Whippet dogs, which are my absolute priority and keep me very busy. I am also a keen golfer who is a member at a local club, and I enjoy playing darts too.”

We’re delighted to welcome Andrew to the team and look forward to the relationships and opportunities he will help develop across these sectors.

If you’d like to get in touch email andrewevans@wattspu.co.uk or call 01594 847150.

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This really was a project with a difference.

In the mining and quarrying sector, reliability is everything as equipment operates in abrasive, high-impact environments where downtime is costly and performance margins are tight. The drum featured here plays a critical role in the separation of precious metals and minerals, and its internal surface must meet exacting standards to function efficiently over time.

We were commissioned to line this tapered drum with a polyurethane coating that delivered two key outcomes of exceptional durability and an extremely smooth internal finish. Achieving both simultaneously is far from straightforward but it was a challenge we relished.

The Technical Challenge

Engineering-grade polyurethanes are selected for demanding applications because of their superior wear resistance, load-bearing capability and long service life. However, these same material properties can make them more difficult to process when a flawless surface finish is required especially on applications like this one.

Spray-applied polyurethane systems can produce a visually smooth surface but the trade-off is long-term performance. Spray materials typically don’t offer the same mechanical strength, abrasion resistance or longevity as cast engineering-grade systems either so this wasn’t an option. We had to come up with a solution that would be capable of operating in the harsh conditions of mineral processing, and compromise was not an option.

Developing a New Process

Rather than forcing a standard method to fit an unsuitable application, we stepped back and did what we do best… we innovated and used years of experience to come up with a solution.

Our engineering team designed a structured sequence of trials using smaller-scale units that replicated the geometry and taper of the full drum. Each iteration allowed us to refine the variables including material flow characteristics, mould design, rotational control and curing parameters.

Four full experimental rounds were completed and each phase generated data that informed the next adjustment. Minor changes in process temperature, casting dynamics and release methodology had measurable impacts on surface quality and consistency. And so by the end of the fourth trial, we had developed a controlled casting method that allowed us to retain the mechanical integrity of our engineering-grade polyurethane while producing the exceptionally smooth internal surface demanded by the customer.

Scaling Up With Confidence

With the process validated at small scale, it was then time to scale up to the full-size tapered drum. The result was a seamless, precision-finished lining that not only looked good but also met all of the functional requirements too. The surface smoothness was achieved without sacrificing durability and the finished drum delivered the abrasion resistance and structural integrity expected of a high-performance mining component.

Repeatable Quality

This project has now become the foundation for further drum lining work. The process we developed is not a one-off solution but a repeatable manufacturing approach built on experimentation, data and engineering experience. We are currently working on additional drums with the assurance that each unit will meet the same high standard.

At Watts Urethane Products, we specialise in solving problems that sit at the intersection of material science and real-world performance in order to create engineering solutions that work. And above all, when an application demands both durability and precision, we never compromise on materials.

If you have a challenging lining or polyurethane application, our team would be delighted to discuss it. You can call us on 01594 847150 or send us an email.

The post Precision Polyurethane Drum Lining for the Mining & Quarrying Industry appeared first on Watts Urethane Products.

Below are five things polyurethane can do that rubber simply can’t, and why industries from food processing to offshore engineering rely on it:

1. Handle Abrasion Without Wearing Out

Rubber is fine until you introduce repeated movement, pressure or friction and that’s where the problems can start. Once abrasion enters the mix, rubber breaks down fast whereas polyurethane is built for environment like those. Its molecular structure holds up when surfaces are sliding, scraping or impacting repeatedly against it. This is why urethane wheels, scrapers and rollers outperform and often run for months or even longer than rubber versions. Downtime in any business environment is expensive and so any improvements in performance will impact the bottom line.

2. Carry Load Without Losing Its Shape

Rubber deforms. Anyone who has ever used a rubber mount or bumper has seen it squash and never fully return to its original form. Polyurethane behaves differently as it compresses under load and then springs back with far less permanent deformation. That makes it ideal for components that take repeated impact or weight such as bearings, pads, stops and buffers. The consistency of shape also means the rest of the machinery runs more smoothly and with fewer adjustments. Again, this saves both time and money.

3. Resist Oils, Chemicals and Environmental Stress

Rubber can often swell or crack if it’s exposed to oils, solvents or some industrial chemicals. This is also where polyurthane really shines. It’s highly resistant to a long list of substances and that resilience makes it suitable for so many applications. From food plants, quarrying, recycling operations and even offshore rigs. Basically, anywhere the environment would quickly destroy rubber. In short, polyurethane keeps its integrity where rubber struggles.

4. Maintain Tolerances with Precision

Many industrial parts will rely on tight tolerances. As rubber components wear and break down they can drift out of measurement quite quickly. Polyurethane is cast and machined to precise dimensions that stay that way as it’s more resilient and harder wearing. This reliability is particularly important for seals, scraper blades, rollers and custom moulded parts where that accuracy translates directly into performance.

5. Allow True Customisation Without Compromising Strength

Rubber is limited in how far it can be engineered. Whereas different formulations of polyurethane allow you to choose hardness, flexibility, colour, chemical resistance and almost any property needed for a specific job. It’s incredibly versatile. This is why so many of the components we produce at Watts are bespoke. You get a material that is genuinely matched to the task rather than a generic solution that wears out early.

Of course, rubber still has its place, but when reliability, lifespan and performance matter, polyurethane is the material that many industries turn to. It does the work rubber simply can’t cope with and it does it consistently, even under the kind of pressures that define modern manufacturing. Whatever your requirements, we design and test everything in house to ensure it delivers.

If you’d like to find out more please give us a call on 01594 847150 or email sales@wattspu.co.uk.

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When we manufacture a print squeegee blade, everything starts with the material.

We create our own polyurethane sheets using centrifugal casting. The mould rotates as the liquid is poured, spreading the material evenly and removing air naturally. This gives us a sheet with consistent thickness, uniform hardness and no weak spots. Once the sheet has cured, we move to cutting. Unlike stamped blades, which can leave torn or compressed edges, we cut every blade to size with precision.Cutting keeps the structure intact and produces a perfectly straight working edge.

A clean edge means cleaner print lines. It means better contact with the screen, more accurate ink transfer and a blade that wears evenly over time. Every blade is then checked before it leaves the factory. Centrifugal casting for consistency. Precision cutting for a cleaner edge. That is what gives our squeegee blades their stability, accuracy and long service life.

If you’d like to find out more please give us a call on 01594 847150 or email sales@wattspu.co.uk.

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Polyurethane is a material that combines resilience with flexibility and is capable of absorbing impact, resisting wear and maintaining its integrity over time. That’s why it finds its way into such a broad range of applications. It quietly delivers safety, sustainability and strength in many areas from factory floors through to vehicles. From street furniture to flexible isobags for the ceramics industry.

Our floor squeegees blades are one of the most relied-upon tools in countless environments and are cut from a centrifugally cast polyurethane sheet using our high precision, CAM-controlled cutting tables. We have decades of experience and have perfected the manufacturing process to ensure that the blades retain their flexibility without splitting or warping. It may be a small component but we know these blades have a big role to play in helping operations run efficiently and in maintain hygiene. It isn’t just about saving time and reducing costs it also reduces waste and supports a more sustainable manufacturing process.

The same principles apply to our cycle hoops and ImpactFlex™ bollards. Designed to withstand repeated impact and exposure to the elements, they combine strength with adaptability. Unlike traditional materials that rust, crack, or degrade, polyurethane offers endurance without compromise. Every hoop or bollard we produce reflects the same precision process as our industrial parts poured, cured, and finished under strict quality control here in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

What often surprises people is the variety of ways polyurethane supports everyday life and in ways they hadn’t anticipated. It’s in a variety of industries from mining to construction, defence and military through to water treatment plants. It’s used in public spaces and wherever you find the need for reliability, Watts products are quietly doing their job in the background. It’s all about the unseen, consistent performance that keeps things moving safely and smoothly.

As a British manufacturer with over forty years of experience, we’re proud to continue developing solutions that combine innovation with craftsmanship. We’ve seen technologies evolve and industries change, but the need for durable, dependable materials remains constant. Our focus is on creating products that don’t just meet today’s demands but continue performing for years to come.

5 Things to Know About Our Range

1. One Material, Endless Applications
From industrial cleaning to street safety, polyurethane adapts to almost any environment. The same precision-moulded material used in a squeegee can also be found protecting a city centre as part of an ImpactFlex™ bollard.

2. Built to Last, Built for Less Waste
Durability is sustainability. Every product that performs longer reduces landfill waste, replacement costs and environmental impact, proving that smart engineering is also greener engineering.

3. Made in Gloucestershire, Trusted Worldwide
All our products are manufactured in the UK, where our team oversees every stage of design, casting, and testing. British-made quality isn’t just a label… it’s a level of accountability we’re proud to stand by.

4. Polyurethane Outperforms Traditional Materials
Compared to rubber, metal or plastic, polyurethane offers a unique balance of strength and flexibility. It won’t rust or crack, it absorbs impact, and it keeps performing under pressure and that’s why industries keep returning to it.

5. Precision is Our Common Thread
Whether we’re casting a small squeegee blade or a heavy-duty bollard, the same meticulous standards apply. Precision moulding, consistent curing, and rigorous testing ensure that every piece carries the Watts signature of performance through precision.

If you’d like to find out more about any of our product ranges then give us a call on 01594 847150 or email sales@wattspu.co.uk.

The post Exploring Our Range: From Squeegees to Cycle Hoops appeared first on Watts Urethane Products.

At Watts Urethane, our success has always been built on people who understand the value of hard work, innovation and reliability. Few people represent those values more clearly than Richard Brooks, who has dedicated more than 25 years to the business and now leads it as our Managing Director.

Richard’s journey began as a junior design engineer here in Gloucestershire, where he first learned the craft of polyurethane manufacturing from the ground up. His understanding of the materials, the processes and the people who make it all work was built through hands-on experience. Over time, that knowledge and curiosity shaped his path through the company, taking him from production and technical roles to sales andoperations, leadership and now the position he holds today.

Throughout those years, Richard has seen the industry change dramatically. Polyurethane technology has advanced, customer expectations have evolved, and the demand for durability, sustainability and innovation has never been greater. What hasn’t changed is his commitment to quality. Whether refining production processes, supporting customers or mentoring the team, Richard has always believed that excellence starts with attention to detail and pride in his work.

His technical background means he understands every part of the business, from formulation and tooling through to finishing and installation. That insight makes his leadership both practical and people-focused. He knows the challenges that come with manufacturing, the realities of production deadlines and the satisfaction that comes from delivering products that stand the test of time.

Under Richard’s guidance, Watts Urethane continues to grow and strengthen its reputation as a trusted UK manufacturer. He has led the company through new product developments, investments in technology and a renewed focus on sustainability. From heritage-style polyurethane bollards that blend seamlessly into historic townscapes, to precision-engineered components for demanding industrial applications, Watts continues to deliver innovation rooted in experience.

In the video below filmed in 2020, Richard shares more about his journey and the principles that have guided his career. His story is one of progression, perseverance and people. It is a reminder that lasting success comes from working together and staying grounded in what matters most.

As we recognise Richard’s 25 years with Watts Urethane, we also celebrate the culture he has helped to build. His leadership is steady, approachable and consistent. He leads by example and continues to inspire the same sense of pride, teamwork and commitment that has defined Watts for more than four decades.

From everyone at Watts, thank you, Richard, for your dedication, your leadership and your ongoing contribution to the company’s success. Here’s to the next chapter of growth and innovation.

#wattsurethane #polyurethane #ukmanufacturing #engineering #gloucestershirebusiness #leadership #innovation #madeintheuk #teamwatts #celebratingsuccess

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A major global cleaning equipment manufacturer approached Watts Urethane with a very specific requirement. They needed floor squeegee blades in the 35–55 Shore A range, soft enough to provide excellent contact with the floor surface, but tough enough to withstand continuous use in demanding environments.

In the polyurethane industry, the most common way to achieve this softness is to add plasticisers into the material. While effective in the short term, this method comes with serious trade-offs:

• Plasticisers weaken the polyurethane’s molecular structure
• Tear resistance is significantly reduced
• Chemical and moisture resistance decline
• Excessive wear leads to frequent blade replacement and downtime
• Overtime plasticised PU hardens due to plasticizer leaching out

For a global client running large fleets of industrial cleaning equipment, these weaknesses translate into higher operating costs, more maintenance, and reduced reliability. They wanted a solution that could deliver the required softness without sacrificing durability.

Our Approach

At Watts, we were not prepared to accept the compromises that come with plasticised polyurethane. Our team of engineers were tasked with finding a better way that would meet the client’s performance specifications without damaging the integrity of the material.

We undertook a full development cycle, testing alternative formulations and manufacturing techniques. Instead of weakening the polymer, we refined our chemistry to achieve the desired Shore hardness range while maintaining the inherent strengths of polyurethane.

This process involved:

• Careful material selection and blending
• Process development and optimisation
• Testing across multiple hardness points within the 35–55 Shore A range
• Accelerated wear, tear, and chemical resistance trials
• Direct performance comparisons against plasticised competitors

By focusing on innovation rather than shortcuts, we were able to engineer a new material grade that balanced softness with exceptional durability.

The Result

The client received a new generation of floor squeegee blades that:

• Delivered the required softness for consistent cleaning performance
• Retained superior tear, wear, chemical, and moisture resistance
• Outperformed plasticised alternatives in durability and service life
• Reduced downtime and costly replacements across their fleet
• Created measurable long-term cost savings and a more reliable product for end users

By refusing to compromise on material integrity, Watts Urethane provided the client with a solution that not only met their immediate technical need but also improved the overall efficiency and reputation of their equipment.

Why It Matters

This is the Watts difference:

• Innovation over imitation. We don’t follow the easy route if it means reducing product performance.
• Partnership mindset. Our focus is always on solving the client’s problem, not just supplying a product.
• Performance-driven materials. Our polyurethane formulations are designed to compete with and outperform alternatives such as natural rubber, Linatex, and other polyurethanes in demanding applications.

For the client, the project proved that Watts could deliver not just a component but a material advantage. For us, it reinforced our position as a trusted partner for industries that require reliable, high-performance polyurethane products. Contact us to discuss your project.

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