'This is a strategic acquisition for us,' explains chairman Robert Silk. 'We have enjoyed considerable success in recent years in serving the cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceutical sectors

‘London Bottle – set up in 1936 by an ex-employee of Roberts – was best known as being one of Europe’s few remaining manufacturers of godets – shallow dishes for containing powders, blushers and other colour make-up products.

‘The opportunity to purchase the business fitted very well with our longer term plans to strengthen the cosmetic sector.