Vita Liquid Polymers is located in Manchester, UK and is part of the larger Vita Group which operates in 14 countries. As a quality control technician, the document's author tested incoming and outgoing materials to ensure products met specifications. They also worked as a development technologist on new product formulations. Through this placement, the author gained experience with various quality control tests, laboratory maintenance, communication, time management, and problem solving skills. They felt the placement provided invaluable real-world experience and improved their professional skills and relationships.

1. CORPORATE OVERVIEW
27TH SEPTEMBER 2019
SCOTT HARDY
PLACEMENT OVERVIEW
VITA LIQUID POLYMERS
COMPANY OVERVIEW, SKILLS GAINED & REFLECTION

2. Vita Group Overview
Vita Liquid Polymers is situated in Wythenshawe, Manchester. Part of the
larger Vita Group.
Vita Group operates from 36 sites in 14 countries, supplying a vast range of
polymer materials for industrial applications, including automotive, construction
and packaging and serves a range of markets from transportation to furniture &
bedding.

3. •c
A range of
PVC plastisol
compounds
A range of
natural and
synthetic
latex
compounds
A range of PU
compounds
A range of
adhesives,
sealants and
coating
compounds
Product Range
Vita Liquid Polymer’s product portfolio is wide and diverse but can
be split into four distinctive brands;

4. My Placement Experience
Quality Control Technician:
Involved physical testing of all incoming raw materials and outgoing finished
products. Worked in an industrial laboratory performing set Quality Control
tests, making sure every product matched its specification.
Day to Day work

5. My Placement Experience
Project Work
Worked alongside experienced material chemists as a Development Technologist.
This involved working on sales enquiries from potential or existing customers to
improve current products or create new ones.
Usually worked on an iterative process of improvement from a base formulation until
the desired physical properties were achieved.
Most of my project work was spent developing PVC formulations for geotextile
dipping applications, working under supervision of an experienced chemical consultant.

6. My Placement Experience
Skills Learnt:
A range of QC tests : viscosity, particle size analysis, hardness, MST, % solids,
alkalinity and many more.
Laboratory Maintenance
Communication
Time management
Professionalism & Punctuality
Taking Responsibility
Problem solving
Working in a safe manner

7. My Placement Experience
Comments/ Reflection
Placement was an invaluable experience, it allowed me to experience a
year in the real world and has given me a step up on the employment ladder.
Majorly improved my communication skills: working alongside production
planning, admin, purchasing and technical teams on top of 15 chemical
operators and warehouse staff.
Gave me the opportunity to meet new people and make professional
relationships.

8. My Placement Experience
Advice to 2nd Years
Be prepared for hard work
Apply early
Even if the placements do not match exactly what you want to do, still apply.

9. Thanks for listening.
Any Questions?