Dr Gareth McDowell | Founder, 493K Limited

It’s 2025 and 493K celebrates 22 years in business, supplying products only to the rotational moulding industry, and reaching customers across all continents.
For Gareth it all started after receiving his PhD, with specialisms in Rotomoulding, from Queen's University Belfast. Captivated by the wonder of the rotating mould he immediately embarked on an intense period of product development focusing on full time temperature & pressure control systems. This product, K-PAQ, has helped moulders to optimise cycle times, improve part quality and ultimately increase their bottom-line profit.
More recently other developments have included:

• K-METRON, a wall thickness gauge which records the data for analysis and quality tracing
• ROTOROCKET, a benchtop uniaxial rotational moulding machine that allows the moulder, developer and researcher to look through the glass mould

Gareth is, as always, excited to share with you some of his thoughts on how to take control of your rotomoulding process.

Dr Robin Kent | Technical Director, Tangram Technology Ltd

Robin has been involved with polymer processing since 1971 and has worked as Technical Director for several of the major plastics processing and window systems companies in UK and Europe. Since 1995 he has specialised in energy management for industry and as an independent consultant, he has carried out energy surveys and assessments on over 550 companies throughout the world. He has published over 550 technical and management papers on plastics and windows and 10 books on plastics processing. He is recognised as the leading authority on energy and sustainability management in plastics processing.

Robin has a BEng. (Hons.) in Materials Engineering from Monash University (Australia) and a PhD. in Polymer Physics from the University of Surrey. He is a Fellow of the Energy Institute, a Chartered Engineer and a Chartered Energy Manager. Robin is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Horners and Freeman of the City of London.

Michelle Rose | CEO, ARMA

Michelle Rose brings a wealth of experience to her role at the Association of Rotational Moulders Australasia. With an impressive tenure spanning over 18 years, Michelle is well versed in advocating for the interests of the rotomoulding industry in Australasia. For over four years, she has held the position of CEO and, as a certified and seasoned association and event manager, Michelle upholds unwavering dedication to the core principles of honesty, respect, and integrity. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of touring hundreds of factories across the globe, creating solid international networks and friendships in the rotomoulding industry.

Gavin McDonnell | Managing Director, Eagle Rota Moulding

Meet Gavin, the mastermind behind a pioneering engineering business that started in 1980 in the heart of Western Australia's wheat belt. With a passion for innovation, they expanded the business to Mandurah in 1991, where they embraced the exciting world of rotational moulding, closer to Perth and its gas supply.

For 35 years, the company revolutionised industries with their groundbreaking use of polyethylene foam sandwich moulding. From marine products with massive 750 kg inserts to custom-fabricated tooling, they mastered every aspect of this versatile material. Known for pushing the boundaries of engineering, they’ve supplied countless industries with game-changing solutions.

Though now semi-retired, Gavin continues to consult, sharing decades of expertise and guiding others in the world of foam sandwich and polyethylene moulding. Their legacy? A wealth of innovative ideas and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Toby Peacock | Director, Q Tank

Toby Peacock is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with 28 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. As a third-generation manufacturer, he has continued his family’s legacy by developing and growing four successful businesses across diverse sectors including injection moulding, rotational moulding, precast concrete, and property development.

Beyond business, Toby is a dedicated husband and father to three children, spanning teenage and young adult years. His passion for the outdoors, fitness, water sports and faith serves as a key source of balance and inspiration in both his personal and professional life.

With decades of experience navigating the complexities of business, Toby understands the challenges of balancing ambition with sustainability. His journey from relentless work to a more intentional approach fuels his passion to help others on the journey toward a balanced, productive and sustainable future. 

Carlos Gomes | Commercial Manager, 3RG Recycling

Carlos is a seasoned Commercial Manager with over 15 years of experience in the recycling plastics industry and international trade. A natural leader, Carlos has successfully driven business growth, managed high-performing teams, and built profitable global trade networks. His expertise spans from plastics recycling and raw materials sourcing to navigating complex trade regulations. Fluent in English and Spanish, with a growing proficiency in Italian, Carlos excels in diverse, multicultural business environments. Passionate about sustainability, he crafts innovative solutions that help clients thrive while contributing to the circular economy.

Scott Wilson | Owner, Plastimac

Scott Wilson is the owner of Plastimac and the representative of STP Rotomachinery Group in Oceania, with over 15 years of experience in engineering and precision manufacturing. Specialising in tool making, metrology, machinery installation, and aero-structures assembly and repair, Scott blends technical expertise with a strong focus on innovative solutions. As the leader of Plastimac and a representative for STP Rotomachinery Group, he is committed to providing advanced turnkey solutions across the aerospace and industrial sectors. His dedication to excellence ensures every project is delivered with the utmost precision and quality.

Grant Palling | Owner, FLEXr Solutions

Grant has worked as a supplier to the Rotational Moulding Industry since 2017. Most recently, he has started FLEXr Solutions, a manufacturing services company focussed on helping businesses with manufacturing improvement opportunities. In rotational moulding, Grant works as part of the Rising Sun Machinery Company’s team, providing rotomoulding machines, moulds and services to the industry in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Rising Sun is committed to the Australasian market and Grant’s work with moulders in the region is testament to this commitment, making great value machines and moulds available to all rotomoulders.

Martin Coles | Group CEO Matrix Polymers

Martin Coles co-founded Matrix Polymers 33 years ago, establishing a company fully dedicated to the development, production, and supply of rotomoulding materials. In recognition of his lifelong commitment and contributions to the global rotomoulding industry, Martin was inducted into the Association of Rotational Molders Hall of Fame in September 2024.

Dr Lei Wang | Regional Head Oceania, Matrix Polymers

Dr. Lei Wang, recently appointed General Manager of Matrix Polymers Oceania, brings 24 years of experience in the polymer industry, including 14 years specializing in rotomoulding. A key innovator, he played a pivotal role in the development of Eco+ and Eco+ HD, showcasing his expertise in material science and commitment to sustainability.

With his leadership, Matrix Polymers Oceania is set to continue delivering high-quality products and exceptional service, driving innovation and growth in the industry.