Polymeric Tapes (Pty) Ltd was formed in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1986, in response to demand for locally manufactured rubber tapes.  The South African currency had depreciated sharply against those of the first world and imported product had become relatively expensive.  Although more normally considered a resource driven economy, political necessity had established a thriving, self-reliant and a wide ranging rubber manufacturing sector in the country.  The infrastructure necessary to support a manufacturing enterprise was well established and raw materials were readily available.  The relatively low manufacturing costs and overhead, associated with third world operations, could be passed on to our customers, giving our products a cost effective edge.  The use of English as the most common business language was an added advantage.