Graphic Packaging International is making a £5 million investment in its Gateshead, England, facility to meet growing demand and create job opportunities for the North East. An important part of the company’s international growth plans, the expansion of the Gateshead site will increase capacity and efficiency by up to 40 million sheets while generating new jobs.
Andrew Pybus, GPI Plant Manager, North East, said, “GPI’s Gateshead investment will enable the company to meet increased demand from retailers and private labels seeking more sustainable packaging options. We are driving innovation in cartonboard to cater for the global environmental trend and our North-East development is key to maintaining our success. It’s an exciting time for the company and we are pleased to share this prosperity with the region by creating further employment opportunities.”
Two new machines will be installed at the site in spring, increasing capacity to open up roles in the wider manufacturing site, from shift team leaders to machine operatives. A 6-colour, double-coater Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 printing press will be introduced, which produces a vast range of high-quality packs with optimum efficiency and economy. This is in addition to a Bobst Expertcut 106 PER die-cutter which maximises productivity with lower production costs.
A major employer in the Gateshead area, GPI is committed to supporting the North-East’s manufacturing community and helping to boost the local economy. As one of the world’s largest producers of sustainable folding cartons, the company offers packaging design and production services for the beverage, food and household, foodservice and personal care sectors, as well as supplying packaging machinery systems.
