Corks, Closures and Drinks Industry Supplies

Who are we?

Since 1774, the RANKIN family has been supporting beverage producers with the development, manufacture and supply of best-in-class closures that seal, protect and add value to brands.

We’re tremendously proud of the part we’ve played in the success of the beer, wine and spirits sectors over the last 250 years.

But we understand that our history and longevity are no guarantee of future success, so our mission is to be better and to do better each day.

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Our journey

We strive to keep the business invigorated with talent, innovation, fresh thinking and new ways of working. Our mission is to facilitate change, not in a radical way but in step with the evolving needs, hopes and desires of the customers and brands we serve.

We continue to be mindful of our behaviours and activities and how they impact the environment around us. That’s why we designed, developed and implemented project NOVA, our pathway to a more sustainable future, for the benefit of the communities we serve.

Our properties in Portugal and facilities in the UK are powered by renewable energy. Our subsidiary PLASMOTEC LTD is operationally carbon neutral* and we’re working on carbon reduction initiatives with our supply chain partners.

We will continue to develop our products transitioning from oil-based and synthetic materials to materials with enviro+ credentials, wherever we can.

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The history of Rankin

1774

William Rankin establishes a business as a cork cutter

1855

William Senior establishes William Rankin & Sons in Glasgow

1855

Robert Rankin ventures to Portugal to purchase own cork

1871

William Rankin Jnr moves to Portugal to establish a manufacturing business

1887

Business builds factory on land purchased from the estate of the Portuguese Royal Family

1890s

Forests and farm properties purchased at Bunheira and Trezoito in Portugal

1942

Family row and the business is spilt between William Rankin & Sons Glasgow and Rankin Brothers & Sons, which is established in London

1960

John Rankin expelled from Portugal by the Secret Police and starts work at the London factory in Bermondsey, working for his father and uncle

1992

John Rankin’s son Jim returns to the UK from Australia and the wine sector to join the family business

1998

Company rebrands and relocates from London to Long Crendon

2000

Sets up a joint venture with the Portuguese company Capsulas Do Norte to make mood tops for stoppers

2018

Establishes NR Tops in Portugal to manufacture tops for stoppers

2019

Acquires moulder and manufacturing business Plasmotec

2020

Continues its mission to support the Beers, Wines & Spirits sectors with the development, manufacture & supply of quality closures that add value to the brands