Polymarine marks 50 years of inflatable boat innovation 

Polymarine has marked 50 years since its story began in 1976, when founders Peter and Dorothy Hodgkinson established a specialist business for inflatable boats and the products needed to keep them seaworthy. 

Based originally in Chorley, Lancashire, the company soon found its place in the growing inflatable boat market. By the mid 1980s, Polymarine had built a niche supplying valves, components and accessories, before broadening its offer in 1986 with flexible paints, adhesives and sealants. 

These products became central to the company’s reputation and helped shape its future direction. During the early 1990s, Polymarine strengthened its marine industry presence further, gaining authorised dealer status for Avon inflatable boats and expanding distribution across Europe. 

A new chapter began in 1995, when Richard Wilkinson and Mike Cappa acquired the business. The following year, Polymarine relocated to The Round House in Llandudno Junction, North Wales, where it expanded its inflatable care and repair range. 

The company also developed an international distributor network, including an important partnership in Florida after a successful US trade show. By the early 2000s, exports were growing strongly. 

In 2007, Polymarine made a strategic move away from boat and engine sales to focus fully on repair products, adhesives, paints and cleaning solutions. Continued investment in service, stock availability and product development helped international sales reach around 50% of turnover by 2018. 

After more than two decades leading the business, Richard and Mike began planning their retirement in 2021. Long-standing partner Anglo Adhesives & Services Ltd entered acquisition discussions in 2023 and completed the purchase in 2024. 

Now based at Anglo Adhesives’ manufacturing facilities in Melton Mowbray, Polymarine continues to supply repair adhesives, cleaning products, paints and accessories to customers worldwide.