The Tricel Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Matrix Composite Materials Company Ltd, effective 1st April 2026.
Founded in 1997 as the UK distributor of Sicomin epoxy resin systems, Matrix Composite Materials has grown into a specialist distributor of materials for high-performance, epoxy-based composite manufacturing, including glass and carbon fibre reinforcements, core materials, and vacuum consumables, held in stock at its Bristol facility for immediate dispatch.
Matrix holds UK distribution agreements with Armacell (PET foam), Amorim CoreCork, and 3D-Core, and is an approved reseller for LYB (LyondellBasell) Quantum-ESC forged carbon SMC. The company also distributes multiaxial fabrics, wovens, and unidirectional materials in E-glass and carbon from manufacturers including Sky Advanced Materials and Vitrulan Composites, as well as products under its own Matrix brand.
Matrix serves composite manufacturers across automotive, marine, motorsport, industrial, offshore, and chemical processing markets, and is recognised for the depth of technical and application support its team provides.
The acquisition extends Tricel’s presence in the advanced composites sector, complementing the activities of Tricel Composites in Leeds, Newry, and Dublin, and MVP in the West Midlands. Martin Spooner and Sarah Darby, the former shareholders, will continue as Managing Director and Finance Director respectively.
Martin Spooner said: “We believe that Tricel are the right custodians to take the business forward. Their existing composites distribution activities are highly complementary to those of Matrix, with the two businesses serving distinct parts of the market. Tricel have the ambition and drive to grow the advanced composites product range, with a clear focus on customer needs. For Sarah and me, as a family company, Tricel share the same values regarding both staff and customers. The business will be in good hands, and we will remain within it to see it grow.”
Robbie Larkin, Head of Tricel’s Distribution Division, commented: “Matrix Composite Materials has been a respected name in UK composites distribution since 1997, and this acquisition is a considered step in the continued development of Tricel’s distribution business. The composites sector requires genuine product knowledge and long-standing customer relationships – both of which the Matrix team have in depth.
Bringing Matrix into the Tricel group allows us to offer a broader range of advanced composite materials across a wider geography, while preserving the specialist expertise and service that Matrix customers have come to rely on. We see significant scope to grow the advanced composites product range and are committed to doing so.”