Leeds-based flexible packaging specialist National Flexible is putting the finishing touches to a new £2M, 26,000 ft² factory on the outskirts of Bradford following a sustained period of business growth over the last three years.
The company, a major converter of flexible films, which claims also to be the UK’s biggest distributor of polypropylene, special films and laminates, says it has outgrown its existing 22,000 ft² Leeds plant.
Alongside providing significant additional production space, the new, purpose-built factory will incorporate a 1,000 pallet space warehouse, enabling the company to offer customers enhanced stockholding facilities, with materials able to be called off at short notice when required. Marketing manager Andy Smith says: “The ability to hold substantial volumes of film materials, and particularly of commodity films, will significantly enhance the package we can offer customers.”
Between 80 and 90% of the company’s business originates from the food sector, but National Flexible also produces packaging for the pharmaceutical, petfood and non-food markets.
The new factory is due for completion shortly. Many of the 40-strong company’s commercial staff are expected to relocate to it by early next year, with the remaining production personnel and a sizeable stable of printing, converting and laminating equipment set to transfer over the course of 2006. The Leeds plant is then expected to cease operating by the year end.