Written by John M Thorpe, Managing Director.
The Birth, Development and the Coming of Age of
ICE-Y-BLUE 700™ Synthetic Panels.
Simply the Best Synthetic Ice Skating Surface in the World
John Thorpe's Personal Experience
1978 - West Yorkshire (Todmorden)
- Small, family owned plastics company (High Density Plastics Ltd), took up an idea that had been given to them by a large European producer of raw materials (polyethylene resin derived from the 'cracking' of oil).
- The sheets of high density plastic were produced in Europe, shipped to Todmorden and machined by the company into regular panels (25mm thick). Further machining was carried out to allow their patented interlocking device of the corners to be included. A fairly complicated system of stainless steel plate combined with PVC tongues was used at that time.
- However, the system worked, and the company claimed to be the World’s FIRST producer of a commercially viable synthetic ice surface.
- Several installations were carried out, mainly in the United Kingdom, but one as far away as Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States of America.
HI-DEN ICE was born!
1982 - The United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
International Sports and Leisure Exhibition.
- High Density Plastics Ltd brought their HI-DEN ICE to the display.
- I was living and working in the Middle East at that time and was introduced by the British Ambassador to the Directors of the company at a reception at the embassy in Dubai.
- Being very much 'hands-on' and knowing the region very well I thought that this 'crazy' idea of selling 'ice' to Arabia was great.
- I became the company's agent for the whole of the area and installed rinks in The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and The Oman.
HI-DEN ICE was about to be developed further!
1987 - West Yorkshire (Todmorden)
- I returned to The United Kingdom.
- High Density Plastics Ltd was for sale - the Chairman (majority shareholder) had a terminal illness and nobody to pass control to.
- I put together a venture capital deal and bought the company.
- The design of the product changed dramatically - rectangular panels, 18mm thick and a completely new method of connecting the panels was perfected.
- Rinks could now be laid on virtually any reasonably flat and level surface.
- Many installations were carried out during this time.
1989 - Germany (Vreden)
- I merged the company with the World’s largest producer of semi-finished product of High and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. (Solidur).
1990 - West Yorkshire (Todmorden)
- The company became British Solidur Ltd and moved into a purpose built factory, still in Todmorden
- With the partnership of Solidur, improvements were made to the formulation of the polyethylene which we specified for 'ice' skating grade material.
- Many more installations were carried out during this time.
1993 - Germany (Vreden)
- Recessions in The United Kingdom and Australia affected Solidur and it merged with an American manufacturer to become Poly-Hi Solidur.
- Too many restrictions were being imposed by the dominant partner so I asked to leave - granted, but with a settlement that had attached to it a no-competing clause lasting eighteen months.
HI-DEN ICE was about to be re-borne, developed even further and re-named:- VITRATHENE™ - Synthetice®
1995 - West Yorkshire (Todmorden)
- Started a new company to machine, fabricate and install plastic components including synthetic ice rinks - Plastic For Industry Ltd / Plastic Ice Ltd.
- In collaboration with a plastics sheet pressing company produced an even better specification for the material used in producing the floor panels. This involved refining the base resin, including some slip additives and most important - controlling exactly the pressures and heat used during the sinter press procedure.
- All this was perfected by us and our supplier in Middlesex (Stanley Smith Ltd).
- The Trade Mark VITRATHENE™ was used (being the existing trade mark belonging to Stanley Smith Ltd relating to the material) and the name Synthetice® was added.
- Many more installations were carried out during this time including one for Robin Cousins (The 1980 Olympic Gold Medallist). After skating on it for a twelve week run of pantomime at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Robin said to me "it’s the nearest to real ice I have ever skated on!".
VITRATHENE™ Synthetice® had Come of Age!
2000 - Merseyside (Southport)
- Bought the business, including all the specialised plant, machinery and Trade Marks etc., from Stanley Smith Ltd.
- Moved from Todmorden and Middlesex to combine pressing and fabrication under one roof in Merseyside.
- Continued to develop the VITRATHENE™ Synthetice® brand.
- Installed a large facility at The Millennium Dome in London for the final six weeks of that venue and it was regarded by all as being one of the most successful attractions there.
2003 - Merseyside (Southport)
- Invested over £500k in expanding the hire fleet to be able to offer synthetic ice rinks on short or long term rental.
- Continued to install rinks in the United Kingdom as well as overseas.
2005 - Merseyside (Southport)
- Began to operate our manufacturing company as VITRATHENE LTD to reflect the trade marked material which we produce - the ONLY company in the United Kingdom with that capability.
- Carried out distribution and hire contracts as Plastic Ice Ltd (reflecting exactly what the product is).
- Created our own operating brand to manage a large 'ice' rink in our own town (Southport). SKATE ABOVE ZERO. Fifty five thousand people have been to learn and enjoy the rink, part covered and part outdoors - All Year Round!
- Started to work with distributors to cover other Countries.
- The National Ice Skating Association of the United Kingdom (NISA) endorsed our synthetic ice surface and recommends its use in situations and applications where ice would be impractical or simply not viable. The SKATE UK programme is being coached at N-ice rinks in many locations.
During the period from December 2002 to December 2005 a husband and wife sales/marketing agency (Promo Concepts UK Ltd - Ice Magic) handled the sales and hire of VITRATHENE™ Synthetice® using its own brand name.
In December 2005, VITRATHENE LTD did not renew Promo Concepts UK Ltd’s agency.
2006 - Merseyside (Southport)
- Period of consolidation in the early part of the year.
- We have the designs, the in house manufacturing capability and the most comprehensive installation experience imaginable. From a leisure centre (on its roof) in Cairo, Egypt, to a marquee (covered in snow) in Reykjavik, Iceland!
- Increase of manufacturing capacity by investment in machinery and by toll pressing in Europe (process and materials controlled by ourselves). Now producing one complete rink (400m2) every week.
- Widen the distribution network.
- Develop additional benefits and activities to be offered with VITRATHENE™ Synthetice® skating rinks.
- Encourage international companies to recognise the benefits - lifestyle and health - and to invest in sponsorship.
2006 - Merseyside (Southport)
- In March a significant investment by a Spanish industrial/property group, Matrust S.L., was concluded, considerably strengthening the company financially and allowing additional resources to be channelled into marketing strategies.
- Opened offices in Barcelona.
- The decision was taken to re-brand VITRATHENE™ Synthetice® and to actively seek qualified distributors to handle overseas opportunities.
- Quadrupled the size of the hire fleet.
2007
Merseyside (Southport) and Barcelona (Spain)
- Continuing to invest in increased hire capability.
- Seeking agents in selected overseas countries.
- Locate strategic sites for installations in the United Kingdom.
2008
Merseyside (Southport) and Barcelona (Spain)
- Spanish control became absolute in September.
- More rinks were being deployed from Barcelona.
- The culture of the 'new regime' became impossible for me so I left Vitrathene Ltd.
- My personal objective, in leaving, was to take a year to assess the market situation and to invent a new skating surface which could become the market leader.
2009/2010
Merseyside (Southport) Ahaus-Ottenstein (Germany). Ottensteiner Kunststoff GmbH & Co. KG
- Invented the formulation of the new skating surface material. Additives including dry lubricants, UV stabilisers, as well as the distinctive pale blue pigment have been laboratory developed by myself with OKULEN® in Germany
- Formed a division (joint venture partnership) within OKULEN®, having total sinter press capability as well as one of the most comprehensive machining facilities in Europe.
- Designed new barrier systems - ULTIMATE (integral with the standard rink panels) - in addition to other accessories.
- Formed NOICEONE LTD to be the company responsible for ICE-Y-BLUE 700™.
- Extensive testing has taken place both in the laboratory and on the rink. Accelerated weathering conditions have been introduced, to make sure that we have the best possible UV stability available together with longevity, in other aggressive environments. The special resin used in the exclusive manufacture ensures a continued high level of 'skateability' throughout the products’ long life expectancy.
- Medallist figure and free-style skaters have judged it to be THE BEST. Professional ice hockey players have been very impressed by the performance of the surfaces and use them for practice and training. Approved in Canada.
- NISA, The National Ice Skating Association of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland regularly refer enquiries about potential installations to NOICEONE LTD.
I hope this short synopsis gives an understanding of the background to Synthetic Skating Rink Panels, now made from a new 700,000 molecular weight refined resin, named and given the registered Trade Mark of ICE-Y-BLUE 700, designed and manufactured by NOICEONE LTD in partnership with
It’s PLASTIC and it's FANTASTIC - in any language
The benefits for everyone are also fantastic.
- Skaters (Beginners).
- Skaters (Experts).
- 'Ice' Hockey (Practice).
- 'Ice' Hockey (New League?).
- Holiday on 'Ice' Shows.
- Healthy Exercise for All.