Packaging firm set to create 50 jobs with multi-million pound investment

Specialising in high barrier films for food products, the Welshpool-based manufacturer is investing more than £5 million in conversion equipment.

The firm says the new equipment will help it to produce flexible packaging solutions with significantly less plastic, a lower carbon footprint and which can be easier to recycle.

Managing director Andrew Newbold said: “The new machinery is set to be in operation by summer 2021 and will be a game-changer for Wipak UK, giving us a unique value proposition for our existing and new customers.

“The sustainability pressures that we face are possibly the most complex that I have experienced in my 24 years in the flexible packaging industry.

"These are challenges that we must overcome through true innovation and I find it increasingly frustrating to see examples of 'greenwashing' in the market, from 'environmentally-friendly' packaging made from the same material used to pack crisps since the 90s, through to compostable plastics claiming to be 'plastic-free'.

"Wipak UK’s new conversion equipment is fully in line with our promise to reduce our CO2 footprint to zero and will allow us to develop real sustainable packaging solutions with real benefits for our customers, consumers and the environment.”

The investment project is aligned with Wipak UK’s ambitious growth plans over the coming years, with the new conversion machines expected to create more than 50 new jobs for the local area in the coming years.

Mr Newbold added: “At a time when some packaging companies are consolidating their UK operations, Wipak UK is continuing to expand. We are part of the family-owned, European-based Wipak Group and this investment – which is the largest investment in Wipak UK’s history – gives a very clear message of the company’s commitment to the UK packaging market, belief in UK manufacturing capabilities and recognition of the hard work of our employees at our site in Welshpool."