iPac set to significantly expand its operations in the UK’s North East

North East-based sustainable packaging manufacturer, iPac Packaging Innovations has recently undergone a major expansion with the launch of its new BRCGS AA+ food packaging site in Tanfield, County Durham.

The new site was initially acquired in July 2022 to support the business’ rapid growth trajectory and represents a crucial investment in iPac’s growth journey. Phase one of the development provided additional warehousing for c2,800 pallets, and now, following the completion of phase two, the cutting-edge facility boasts four fully functioning production lines, enabling iPac to further support its existing customers while pushing for expansion into new markets.

The family-owned business was previously based exclusively in Gateshead, UK, and specialises in the design and production of sustainable rPET and rPP packaging solutions for the ever-changing needs of the food and pharmaceutical industries.

This expansion follows a series of investments into the business, which have delivered significant and continued growth. Since it was first established in 2017, iPac has invested over £10m in its thermoforming operations, growing to an annualised turnover of £21 million and now employing over 80 people, making it an important player in the sustainable packaging manufacturing market.

The expansion was supported by two investments from Maven-managed regional funds – including a £600,000 investment from the Finance Durham Fund (FDF), established by Durham County Council and overseen by Business Durham, and a £400,000 investment from the North East Development Capital Fund (NEDCF), supported by the European Regional Development Fund, as well as £250,000 from the County Durham Growth Fund.

During its seven years in operation, iPac has also invested heavily in R&D, allowing the organisation to deliver innovative product ranges including iZorb and MonoSKIN, as well as its food-contact biopolymer, ENViPac.

With no signs of slowing down, the business is set to continue its expansion into new areas of the market with new partnerships and clients set to be serviced from both of its groundbreaking manufacturing facilities.

Jonny Catto, managing director at iPac, noted how the completed works on othe second production site marks a significant milestone in iPac’s exciting growth journey, “providing significant additional capacity as well as future growth potential, allowing us to further expand our market offering in sustainable recycled thermoformed packaging.”

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