Telford's Northwood targets further growth after strong 2024
Telford-based manufacturer Northwood Hygiene Products is targeting fresh growth after a year of investment and new jobs.
It has been the most successful year ever for one of the top three UK manufacturers and suppliers of “away-from-home” paper hygiene and wiping products.
The company, which employs 1100 people across 10 UK sites, including 250 people at its headquarters on Stafford Park, saw its gross sales turnover hit £493 million – an all time high in five decades of successful trading.
To mark the milestone, Northwood purchased a 16,850 square foot building, which was converted into its new corporate head office, named Northwood House. 50 people are based at the new office and the business is currently recruiting for a number of roles following continued growth at its Telford site.
The year also saw the business win not one, but two, prestigious awards. It won the inaugural ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award’ in the Confederation of Paper industries’ 2024 Paper Industry Gold Awards and then went on to take the title of ‘Sustainable Company of the Year’ at the annual Cleaning Excellence Awards., which were held last month.
The business has also doubled down on training and development and, last year, recruited 16 new apprentices – its largest intake of apprentices to date. The recruits, who are studying to achieve industry-recognised Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, are working in a variety of disciplines, enabling them to kick-start careers as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, multi-skilled engineers, paper makers and technical operators.
Now 2025 is set to be another successful year for Northwood as it heads into its 51st year in business. To support its ambitious growth plans, the business has pledged to invest in additional machinery and recruit more people to work in its factory and distribution centre. Northwood will also increase its headcount of apprentices in a bid to support its goal to become a top apprenticeship employer and an industry leader in early careers.
Marketing manager Paul Mulready said: “Growing our people and expanding our apprenticeship programme underline our commitment to invest in talent development and fully support employees who working at every level across the business.”
“We’re committed to investing in the next generation and we’re proud to offer meaningful hands-on learning for people to equip them with the skills they need to forge successful careers.”
Established in 1974 by owners the Fecher family, Northwood is one of the few vertically integrated companies in the industry. Its activities include recycling, production, conversion and logistics – a structure that allows it to ensure excellence throughout its entire operation.
Northwood’s brands, such as Raphael, North Shore and Whisper, can be spotted throughout the region and across the UK, in all sectors, ranging from healthcare and education to hospitality, leisure, manufacturing and catering.
Mr Mulready added: “We will be growing these brands this year and we’re excited to invest in the site and expand our team, giving local people the opportunity to come and work for one of the fastest-growing firms in Telford.”