Our History

The history of the Cromford Group Pty Ltd is the tale of two companies, both with strong history of superior products and service and united in 2007.

Cromford Pty Ltd was established in 1978 under the guidance of Washington H Soul Pattinson Ltd (WHSP). Cromford pioneered the production of polyethylene blown film, for use in the building and agricultural industries and utilised recycled low density polyethylene scrap plastic as its raw material. In 1984, Cromford introduced polyethylene dampcourse to the bricklaying market gaining a reputation for quality product and service and as a result strong sales into the housing and window industry.

Australian Film and Pipe Manufacturers (AFP), now Cromford Pipe began operations in 1979. AFP commenced its life under the guidance and leadership of Enzo Russo, producing PVC & HDPE pipe for water, electrical, stormwater and drainage applications. In 1991 Ravcoplast machinery was sold to Vinidex and Drossbach in a joint venture arrangement. At this time, Ravcoplast was re-named Australian Film & Pipe Manufacturers and the newly named AFP manufactured plastic and re-commenced growing its Pipe manufacturing and distribution capability to meet the growing market demands.

In 2007 AFP was sold to Cromford Pty Ltd, both entities then owned by Souls Private Equity Limited (SPEL).

The combined Cromford Pty Ltd and Australian Film & Pipe Manufacturers entity diversified the operations of the organisation to encompass polyethylene blown film manufacture and a complete range of pipes and fittings for plumbing, irrigation and infrastructure projects.

Since 2007 Cromford Pty Ltd has earned recognition as a manufacturer and supplier of quality film and pipe products for projects of all scale and size.  The company has grown its reputation on the basis of quality and service.  In recent times Cromford was acquired by SPEL (major share holder WHSP) and again has been given the opportunity to broaden its foot print in the plastics industry.

Andrew Luxton was appointed Managing Director and CEO of both businesses in 2009 and initiated his term with a rebranding and streamlining of the business units.  The renamed entity is steeped in the cultural heritage of Cromford, and at the same time has a focus on the future of resource recovery and sustainability. The new Cromford Group has 3 discreet business entities, Cromford Film, Cromford Pipe and Cromford Recycle, with an emphasis on Australian made underpinned by a strong service promise.

2009 was a landmark year for the Cromford Group, with the completion and opening of the State of the art manufacturing facility in Moss Vale, NSW. In October 2009, the rebranding launch coincided with the Factory completion celebrations, marking a new era for the company and acknowledging that Cromford Group Pty Ltd has the scale, professionalism and capacity to become Australia's leading PE Pipe production and delivery partner for major infrastructure projects and distribution channels.