Irish corrugated packaging company Rigid Containers has completed €8m investment to expand its facility located in the Galvone Business Park, Limerick in a bid to boost production capacity.

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Image: A plastic container. Photo: courtesy of Jose Alfredo Gomez Soberano/Freeimages.com.

The investment involved two extensions and installation of new conversion equipment at the site.

The company said it is planning to hire up to 30 additional staff over the next two years at the Limerick city production facility.

Rigid Containers, which was acquired by European recycled paper and corrugated cases manufacturer VPK Packaging Group in 2000, is engaged in producing corrugated packaging for customers in consumer goods, food & beverages, pharma & medical, and e-commerce industries.

It operates integrated manufacturing and logistics facilities in Desborough (Northamptonshire), Selby (North Yorkshire) and Wellington (Somerset).

Rigid Containers site director Mark Munnelly said: “Since taking over in 2015, we have grown our production volume by 30%, with plans for further expansion.

“While investment in both manufacturing technology and facilities are central to the progress made by Rigid Containers to date, our sustainable competitive advantage lays with our talented and committed 95 staff members, many with over 20-year experience in the industry.

“With an investment programme to date of over €8m and a further investment phase planned, we are confident that our fixed growth target represents a modest share of the overall market and can be achieved in a manner that drives value into the market place.”

Rigid Containers said it has invested in the Limerick facility, agreeing on a four-year pay deal with staff by investing millions of euro in facilities and technology and provide support to voluntary groups in Limerick city and county.

The two newly opened extensions include 880m² southern extension intended to accommodate new materials handling system, as well as a western extension which comprises a 708m² ground housing a new glueing machine and ancillary equipment, and a 400m² of mezzanine floor.

As part of the expansion, Rigid Containers has installed new materials handling system comprising three double-bay transfer shuttles, 23 lanes of belt conveyor, additional storage space, new corrugator take-off area and a new belt conveyor.