Celebrating 30 Years of SGI Composites
Three decades of composite manufacturing and engineering excellence
This year marks 30 years of SGI Composites.
From our beginnings as a small composite moulding business in Colchester to the engineered composite solutions provider we are today, a lot has changed since 1996.
Today, we work with customers across infrastructure, water, energy, rail and other industries, providing composite solutions from our Colchester manufacturing facility.
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re looking back at some of the people, projects and milestones that have shaped SGI, and ahead to where we’re going next.
Our Story
SGI was founded in 1996 by Ron and Lizzy Stone, starting out with projects including specialist linings, flooring and bespoke tanks.
As the business grew, so did the scale and variety of the work. The team took on projects at major locations including St Pancras International, Ascot Racecourse and Lloyd’s of London, while continuing to develop its expertise in bespoke composite manufacturing.
Some of our established product ranges also grew directly from customer requirements. GeoMet began with a request for bespoke composite seating before developing into a wider range. Safe Tread expanded our work in GRP anti-slip products, while Safe Spill later brought that experience into spill containment.
In 2017, SGI joined Milbank Group, providing a strong platform for the next stage of the business.
Today, SGI works across infrastructure, water, energy, rail and other industries, delivering everything from bespoke manufactured components to large-scale composite systems. Manufacturing and installation remain at the heart of what we do, supported by capabilities including site surveys, technical design, LiDAR scanning and finite element analysis.
We still do what we’ve always done, using composites to create practical solutions for our customers. What’s changed over 30 years is the scale, range and technical complexity of the projects we take on.
In 2026, Sui Generis International became SGI Composites, giving the business a clearer name and identity that better reflects the work we do today.
Celebrating 30 Years
We marked the anniversary in September with a BBQ at our Colchester site, bringing together current and former employees, customers, suppliers and guests. It was a chance to catch up, share some of the stories from the company’s history and recognise the contribution people have made to SGI over the years.
Some memorable projects along the way
Over 30 years, the team has worked on a wide range of projects, from one-off mouldings to large manufacturing programmes.
Some have also required SGI to adapt quickly. A large project for Ascot Racecourse, for example, required the company to rent an additional factory to create enough manufacturing space.
Other projects have taken SGI’s work into some well-known locations, including St Pancras International and Lloyd’s of London.
More recent projects show how the company’s role has continued to develop. At Frimley Park Hospital, SGI delivered approximately 2,500 linear metres of rooftop GRP access infrastructure, with the project encompassing survey, design, manufacture and installation.
The scale and application may vary, but bespoke work continues to make up an important part of what we do.
St Pancras International, Barlow Shed Roof – 2007
A major restoration project involving around 20,000 man-days and 50,000 litres of paint, helping restore the station’s iconic Barlow Shed roof and create its distinctive blue finish.
Barclays, Bespoke GRP Mouldings – 2007
Bespoke GRP concierge desks and architectural features developed for Barclays’ flagship Piccadilly Circus branch, with the design subsequently used across branches throughout the UK.
Agricultural Machinery, GRP Components – Since 1997!
Long-term manufacture of bespoke GRP moulded components for agricultural machinery, providing durable, lightweight solutions designed for demanding working environments.
Lloyd’s of London, Cooling Tower Refurbishment – 2012
Specialist GRP lining and repair works to restore the integrity of a cooling tower at the iconic Lloyd’s of London building, providing a durable, corrosion-resistant solution while working within a high-profile, operational environment.
Tesco, GRP Containerised Plant Room – 2014
Design and manufacture of a bespoke 8m GRP containerised plant room, incorporating ventilation, structural reinforcement and anti-slip flooring, manufactured at SGI’s Colchester facility and delivered to site in Devon.
Ascot Racecourse, Safe Tread – Since 2007
A long-standing partnership supplying Safe Tread GRP anti-slip solutions across Ascot Racecourse, helping provide safer access for visitors and staff.
Network Rail, FLOW Footbridge – 2022
Design and manufacture of key FRP components for Network Rail’s first fully modular composite footbridge, including walkway modules and Safe Tread anti-slip surfaces, as part of a collaborative UK engineering project.
Solomon, St Helena, Fuel Tank Refurbishment – 2025
Refurbishment and fuel-resistant epoxy lining of three critical steel storage tanks on the remote island of St Helena, including the planning and logistics required to deliver the project more than 4,000 miles from the UK.
Frimley Park Hospital, GRP Rooftop Access System – 2026
Design, manufacture and installation of approximately 2,500 linear metres of modular GRP access walkways, creating safe routes across a complex hospital rooftop while allowing the site to remain fully operational.
A message from Managing Director, Rita Cornwell
“Reaching 30 years is a significant milestone for SGI and a chance to recognise everyone who has contributed to the business along the way. Our success has been built on the knowledge and commitment of our team, together with the long-standing relationships we’ve developed with our customers and suppliers. While a lot has changed since 1996, that experience gives us a strong foundation for the future. We’re continuing to invest in our people, our capabilities and more sustainable ways of manufacturing, while developing the engineered composite solutions our customers need. It is an exciting time for SGI, and we are looking forward to building on those foundations as we begin the next chapter of the business.”
Built on Relationships
SGI’s history has also been shaped by the companies we’ve worked with.
Some customer and supplier relationships have lasted for many years, while others have introduced us to completely new applications for composites.
As part of our anniversary, we’ve asked some of those customers and suppliers to share their own experiences of working with SGI.
“Congratulations on your 30 years trading, that’s gone quick !
I have dealt with SGI Composites / Sui Generis for the whole 30 years & I have always found the company & their employees very welcoming and extremely professional. They are one of the customers that always looks to do the right thing whether this be in terms of sustainability or improving the working environment for their employees.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with yourselves on numerous interesting projects over this time & I look forward to working with you on many more in the future.”
– Justin Rose, GRP Solutions
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“Congratulations to everyone at SGI Composites on reaching this incredible 30-year milestone.
It’s been a pleasure working with the SGI team over the past year or so, delivering electrical works across your site. From day one, everyone has been welcoming, professional and easy to work with, making every project run smoothly. The strong relationships we’ve built, both professionally and personally, have made SGI a valued client for Elecbuild, and we’re proud to have played a small part in supporting your continued success.
We’d like to congratulate the whole team on 30 fantastic years in business and wish you every success for the next 30 years and beyond.”
– Joel Savory, Elecbuild
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“SGI and Elemy have recently been supporting each other on both product and site activities and we feel that this will only strengthen in the 4th decade after SGI achieving this considerable 30th Anniversary milestone.”
– Richard Brine, Elemy
What’s Next for SGI?
SGI has changed significantly since 1996, and we expect that to continue. Thirty years of experience gives us a strong foundation, but there is still plenty we want to develop.
Here’s what we’re focusing on over the next five years:
- Developing our engineering capability
- Modernising our manufacturing processes
- Developing more sustainable composite solutions
- Growing our work across construction, water and renewable energy
For us, the next stage is about building on what we know, continuing to improve how we work and finding new applications where composites can provide a practical solution.