About Us
Our history & who we are
Specialist plastic injection moulding services, manufacturing high quality components for large production runs and bespoke short runs, across multiple trade sectors within the UK since 1949
Our history
1949 – R Bibby (Engineers) Ltd. was established before World War II and was incorporated in 1949 by engineer and toolmaker Robert Bibby, known as Bob. Originally located in Colnbrook, Slough, Bibby’s, as it is fondly known today, specialised in the processing of cellulose acetate for the manufacture of high-quality, newly standardised, mass-produced frames for the growing optical market. The company manufactured machinery and jigs to cut and form cellulose acetate frames, as well as mould the various additional components required, such as nose pads. As one of the few plastic injection moulding facilities operating at the time, the company soon became involved in the design and development of various new products that could be manufactured using this process.
1966 – Seeking the lifestyle and rural living offered by Cornwall, Mr Bibby made the bold decision to relocate himself, his wife and his business to Callington, a town situated in the east of the county. Bringing established customers with him, the company quickly became operational from its newly acquired site, which would later help shape what became Moss Side Industrial Estate, now a central hub for multiple firms and businesses within Cornwall. At the time, the company employed a total of 12 men and women as machine operators, post-moulding operations and packing duties.
1976 – Following Mr Bibby’s unexpected death Peter Simpson and his then wife were left as Directors of R Bibby (Engineers) Ltd. The company continued to grow, building a reputation for excellence in high-quality tooling and injection moulding. Producing large runs in promotional products often used for magazines of the day as a free gift incentives to buy the publication.
Over time, techniques, materials, customer requirements, and opportunities continued to evolve.
1987 – Graham Crowle joined Bibby Engineers as a machine setter and was quickly promoted to Production Manager. A qualified Mechanical and Production Engineer, with his practical passion for engineering and farming, he brought a fresh new dimension to the company.
Bibby Engineers manufactured millions of capacitator cores around this time, which were distributed across the world to countries such as Australia, Sweden and Germany.
1993 – Graham became a Company Director alongside two other employees.
1996 – Peter Simpson retired, and Graham became Managing Director, working alongside the Sales and Engineering Directors. A change of name to Bibby Engineers Ltd reflected the modernised capabilities of the business.
1998 – Following the resignation of the Sales Director, Graham and Duncan Kent steered the company forward into major new sectors, including; ladder and access equipment manufacturing, floristry products, MOD components, photographic slide boxes, food and beverage items, giftware products and electrical components for major industry players. Bibby’s capabilities enabled the company to undertake large production runs of 1 million +, alongside short, specialist runs of 2 or 3 off.
2013 – Kyle Ronan joined the company and brought valuable design expertise to the business with a degree qualification in Product Design enabling Bibby Engineers to offer this additional and exciting service to new and existing customers.
2015 – It has often been said that “out of adversity comes opportunity”, and this proved true when an arson attack decimated the Tool Room and offices at the factory. The entire team dug deep and, through sheer determination and hard work, the mould shop was back in operation less than 24 hours after the attack.
Smoke-damaged buildings and equipment, along with many old paper records and photographs, were sadly destroyed in the fire. Items were painstakingly sorted, walls were scrubbed and repainted, and repair and salvage operations were carried out. Eventually, new modern machinery was integrated into the premises including a Borche 200 tonne moulding machine, providing opportunity for Bibby’s to emerge stronger and more capable than ever before.
2022 – Driving forward with investment, purchase of a new Borche 260 tonne moulding machine followed by a Borche 130 tonne moulding machine in early 2023 boosted production capabilities.
2024 – Bibby Engineers Ltd celebrated its 75th Anniversary with Warrens pasties and fresh doughnuts for the entire team. Never ones to boast too much, the celebrations were kept in-house — although plans for the 80th Anniversary may well be shouted loud and proud from the rooftop!
2025 – New machinery investmentments with a Boy 50M Procan, Boy 30M Procan, Boy 55M Procan and Boy 90E Alpha further strengthened the company’s manufacturing capabilities and future growth.
2026 – Today, Bibby Engineers offers customers state-of-the-art equipment and moulding facilities, together with a range of bespoke and value-added services, utilising some of the latest technologies available. The company continues to maintain a competitive edge on pricing while actively working within customers’ constraints to help projects move forward successfully. Bibby Engineers remains committed to discussing and exploring possibilities that may initially appear unattainable and we are proud of our problem solving capabilities.
Bibby Engineers also undertakes plastic injection moulding requirements for customers with their own in-house moulding facilities, helping to provide improved service, higher-quality components, and reduced costs.
The company’s history serves as a reminder of how far technology has progressed, and Bibby Engineers continues to invest in its people, machinery, and future potential as it adapts, learns, and grows .
Who We Are
Graham Crowle – Managing Director
There aren’t many of us left who learned engineering the traditional way as a Toolmaker, Precision and Mechanical Engineer. With over 41 years of experience as an engineer, 39 years of which have been in the polymer and manufacturing production industry, I have developed extensive knowledge in all related areas of this profession.
As part of my role, I design (or assist with the design) of plastic components and subsequently create and refine tooling to ensure consistent production quality and manufacturing efficiency. When designing mould tooling, I always consider our in-house manufacturing techniques and capability, to focus on consistent quality, ease of manufacture, reliability, and longevity. I also endeavour to design with maintenance in mind, incorporating replaceable and repairable components into mould tooling to maintain quality and maximise service life.
My company’s philosophy is built around experience, craftsmanship, and value. Leading a small business, located at the pointy end of the country, we have never had the luxury of specialising in just one area. Instead, we’ve embraced a wide variety of projects, materials, and manufacturing challenges. This breadth of experience has allowed us to approach new opportunities with confidence and provide practical solutions across a diverse range of industries.
Today, I work alongside a highly motivated, proficient and resourceful team, nurturing a fundamental understanding of how everything works with a freedom to learn through hands-on experience. Together we continue to develop our capabilities through innovation, automation, and robotics, combining traditional engineering knowledge with new and exciting, modern manufacturing techniques to deliver quality solutions for our customers.
