Packaging News
The purchase of Thermopak’s 65,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, based in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear (for an undisclosed fee), increases PFF’s extrusion production capacity by 8,000 tonnes,to a total of over 22,000 tonnes per year.
The Keighley and Gateshead plants combined are said to be capable of producing up to 60 million units per month, reinforcing PFF’s reputation for “punching above its weight” in what is a highly competitive market.
PFF’s group managing director Andy Bairstow said: “The acquisition of Thermopak was a natural progression for us as there is a great deal of synergy within the two businesses. The extra capacity which the acquisition brings, combined with the capability to manufacture in a broad range of polymers, will allow us to significantly increase our market share within existing markets and expand into new areas.”
The North East plant, which currently has 70 employees, will be re-named PFF Packaging (North East), and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the PFF Packaging Group of companies. PFF has also announced plans for additional investment in infrastructure and new plant & equipment within the Gateshead facility in the course of 2015.
The PFF Group now employs in excess of 170 staff and supplies a diverse range of innovative products, designed and manufactured to satisfy the stringent visual, hygiene and environmental demands of blue chip businesses, including a growing number of the UK’s leading supermarkets.
The company’s continued growth and expansion is likely to see further investment and acquisitions in 2015.
