The London-based takeaway packaging specialist Amipak has doubled the size of its Croydon factory, adding three new high-performance machines to produce sustainable food packaging.
Daniel Schwitzer, Amipak’s Director of Communications and Sustainability, said: “Our business has grown steadily over the past year, despite the pandemic, and we are proud to have played our part in keeping the nation’s takeaway and delivery food businesses going over the past 18 months with efficient and sustainable packaging.
“To meet current demand and ensure capacity for future growth, we are increasing the size of our factory in Croydon by 100% and installing new high-performance Bobst Novacut 106 ER die-cutter, plus two new Heiber+Schröder tray forming machines.
“These moves represent the latest phase in an ongoing investment in technology and modernization of Amipak’s production facilities totally over £4m, on top of the £1.75m invested in 2020.”
The Novacut machine delivers automated blanking separation, streamlining carton processing and eliminating the need to manually strip waste. The two new Heiber+Schröder machines can each create up to 36,000 perfectly formed trays every hour.
Josh Friedler, Commercial Director at Amipak, said: “Investments like these are all part of our long-term plan and a statement of intent to grow our business,” explains Amipak Commercial Director Josh Friedler. “We aim to meet increased demand for our sustainable cartonboard product ranges, with a flexible and customer focused approach.
“The foodservice packaging we produce on these new machines is easy for both operators and consumers to use. Most of our products are made from easily recyclable material and are pulpable or compostable in an industrial facility, which fits well with current consumer expectations. We are proud to have Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain-of-Custody certification and we manufacture the majority of our products here in the UK, therefore lowering our carbon footprint as well as that of our customers.
“These new machines will enable us to deliver the shorter lead times, with increased capacity, reliability and flexibility required to meet the fast-changing demands of this sector. They are used to produce food packaging such as our sustainable brown leakproof range, and in addition to reducing waste will create the opportunity for Amipak to convert more products.
“Expanding our Croydon factory and installing these new machines, plus bringing in new skilled colleagues will increase our capacity in some areas by over 50% as we respond to the rapidly growing and ever-changing demands of the food-to-go category. These are investments for the future of Amipak, enabling the business to develop new products and increase stock holding for our proven and popular lines, while building on our consistent reputation for flexibility in serving our customers.”