Sharp Interpack, the UK-based manufacturer of rigid packaging, is investing some £2 million (€3m) at its manufacturing plant in Bridgwater, as well as introducing a new leadership team.
Formerly known as M.Y. Plastics, Sharp is now one of the UK's leading manufacturers of rigid plastic packaging for the food and non-food industries. The extrusion and thermoforming production facilities at the Somerset base have undergone a high level refurbishment programme and a large, modern warehouse has been acquired at the rear of its existing plant. Further investment in 2003 will join these buildings together to create a fully integrated manufacturing site.
The new management team is led by managing director Ken Morris. "The key to keeping customers and attracting new ones in this business is service," he said. "This investment helps us ensure the product quality we are known for and a quick response. The percentage of sales orders that we deliver on time, or sooner, is now at 99 per cent and rising."
In order to satisfy increasing demand in the most important product areas, the Bridgwater operation is focusing on production of containers for dairy desserts and salads, CPET trays for ready meals and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) trays and pods for meat. The demand for the latter has soared in recent months, the company reports.
Also in the new team are commercial director Andrew Gilfillan, finance manager Duncan Craib, production manager Ugo Trivella and manufacturing director Anton Davis.
"We work alongside and supply many products into the UK and Europe's leading supermarkets," explained Ken Morris, "and their expectations for efficiency and turnaround are very exacting. The changes we have made ensure that our plant and our people are up to the demand."