"We will open the site as a distribution hub in early April," said Richard Coward, managing director. "Packaging manufacture will be handled at our Desborough and Selby factories and then transported to Wellington in bulk loads. Customers can then call off by batch, meaning we can offer a true just-in-time service for the southwest."
Coward added that "it is our intention to install a range of converting machines during 2013. During the year, a balanced line-up of converting machines will be installed that will enable Rigid to provide a full product range including cases, die cut containers, and multi point glued products. This will involve both equipment bought specifically for the new site and machine transfers from our Selby and Desborough operation as we replace them with new models as part of our investment plans here in the U.K."
The new site will be a multi-million pound investment entirely funded by the Group. The distribution hub will create between 30 and 40 new jobs for the area immediately and is seen as a positive move by the local council. As the hub then transforms into a manufacturing plant by the middle of the summer, it is expected that dozens of new jobs will also be created.
Coward noted that the range of machines Rigid plans to install at Wellington means it can offer a broad range of packaging styles, printed in up to four colors. "We anticipate that our new four color flexo folder gluer will be fitted with dryers, meaning we can print on the highest quality papers in the industry, which is particularly relevant for shelf ready packaging applications."
TAPPI
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