Tech developer Plastic Logic heads back to Cambridge

The company had left Cambridge for Silicon Valley in the 1980s

Plastic Logic, the plastics technology developer, is moving its global headquarters back to Cambridge from Silicon Valley as part of its plans to reposition itself as a European-focused entity.

The company has already started selling e-readers to the Russian education market, after cash injections from a Russian investor. A commercial introduction of the products is slated for late 2011.

The company is also looking to branch out into making ultra-cheap computer chips printed on plastic, which can be used for a host of fabrics and appliances in different industries.

The decision to relocate to its place of origin bucks the trend that has seen a number of UK startups going in the opposite direction. However, Plastic Logic will still have a presence in Mountain View.

The move also follows the recent appointment of Indro Mukerjee as CEO. He replaces Richard Archuleta, who has left the post after four years to "pursue other opportunities in the tech sector".

Plastic Logic was established in Cambridge, based on technology developed at the university's physics department in the 1980s.