Timeline
Protecting today, protecting tomorrow. We do this by always providing a great solution, and building a business based on trust: trust in our product, and in us as people. That's how we've been operating for the past 30 years, and how we plan to operate for the next 30.
1983
Matta foundations
Murray Scott designs and manufactures the first interlocking floor mat incorporating recycled tyre rubber for the first time in New Zealand. He goes on to win the New Zealand Plastics award in 1984 for his self-designed safety tred mat. Murray continues to use recycled materials to produce mats for different purposes. At this time, only 14% of New Zealand councils are doing regular kerbside collections of recyclables.
1992
Matta is founded
After 12 years of pioneering plastic recycling in New Zealand, Murray Scott and his son, Tim Scott, found Matta with a mission to turn waste PVC and rubber into a new generation of safety surfacing. Its first injection molding is carried out on hired equipment, with mixes made in humble blenders on gravel floors.
OCT 1993From Otaki to the world
From Otaki to the world
Matta's first injection molder is deliver to its new factory in Otaki, New Zealand. Its first export containers begin heading to the sunny shores of California. Sales begin expanding into the UK and other parts of North America.
JAN 1998
New Auckland Office
In January 1998, Matta's head office is relocated to Auckland, with its manufacturing remaining in Otaki. The Scotts bring in Paul Harris and Harry Burkhardt as additional shareholders and directors in Matta. Paul and Harry were co-founders of another successful New Zealand recycling business, Replas. The factory continues to develop and expand with a new mixing plant, wash plant and blenders.
JAN 2003
Matta continues to expand
Matta continues to expand throughout California, becoming a staple product for LA's playgrounds. Matta is now everywhere from the UK, US, Australia and is the most recognisable mat in New Zealand playgrounds, with newer companies modelling their mats off Murray's early designs. Matta continues to develop their product through vigorous safety testing, installation welding systems, and continued expansion to agri, fitness and industrial surfacing markets. Matta receives the Environmental Choice NZ certification (which is still held today).
SEP 2019 - JUNE 2021
Geared for the future
Ready to tackle the next decade, Matta's factory is upgraded to include new automated injection molding, palletising and compounding facilities. State of the art xenon arc accelerated weathering testing equipment is commissioned for further product and material development. We now step into the future with a continued vision to keep waste out of landfill, by continuing to turn it into top quality, long-lasting safety surfacing.