Tricel strengthens composites business acquiring Matrix Composite Materials

The Irish-based Tricel Group has officially completed the acquisition of Matrix Composite Materials Company Ltd, a UK distributor specialising in advanced composites, effective 1 April 2026. The transaction forms part of a broader strategy to consolidate its distribution activities across the UK and Ireland, while expanding its portfolio towards higher value-added materials.

Founded in 1997, Matrix Composite Materials has established itself as a recognised player in the distribution of epoxy systems and materials for high-performance composite manufacturing. Based in Bristol, the company offers a comprehensive range including epoxy resins, glass and carbon fibre reinforcements, core materials, and vacuum consumables, all held in stock for rapid dispatch.

A strategic complement in advanced composites

Matrix benefits from strong partnerships with international suppliers such as Armacell for PET foams, Amorim CoreCork and 3D-Core, and also distributes forged carbon SMC solutions from LYB (LyondellBasell). Its portfolio further includes technical fabrics (multiaxial, woven and unidirectional) in glass and carbon fibre, sourced from manufacturers including Sky Advanced Materials and Vitrulan Composites, alongside products under its own Matrix brand.

The company serves demanding sectors including automotive, marine, motorsport, offshore and chemical processing. It is particularly recognised for the depth of its technical and application support, a key differentiator in an increasingly complex composites landscape.

The integration of Matrix complements the existing activities of Tricel Composites, already established in Leeds, Newry and Dublin. More broadly, it fits within the Group’s structure, which spans multiple stages of the composites value chain, from materials distribution to processing technologies. In this context, Tricel also relies on its subsidiary MVP, based in the West Midlands, which specialises in equipment for composite manufacturing processes. This combined approach strengthens the Group’s geographical footprint and enables it to offer a more comprehensive range, from standard materials to advanced solutions.

As part of the transaction, Martin Spooner and Sarah Darby, former shareholders of Matrix, will remain in their roles as Managing Director and Finance Director respectively, ensuring operational continuity and the preservation of in-house expertise.

“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,” said Martin Spooner.

Robbie Larkin, Head of Tricel’s Distribution Division, added: “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.”

With this acquisition, Tricel confirms its ambition to become a leading player in the distribution of composite materials across Europe, combining breadth of offering, technical expertise and customer proximity.

Heading photo: Martin Spooner and Sarah Darby, left, former shareholders of Matrix, will remain in their roles as managing director and finance director respectively.