Specialist packaging firm boosts capacity

Wiltshire-based GWP Packaging has installed new automated taping equipment at its production facility.

Installed by the firm, which has bases in Cricklade and Salisbury, in early August, the equipment is predominantly used by the corrugated packaging manufacturer for producing taped boxes with integrated tear strips for supply to eCommerce retailers across the south west of England.

The new equipment, as part of an upgrade to existing machinery, has already improved productivity significantly. Initial production runs have seen as many as 16 times more packs produced than the previous processes.

David Mason, Sales Manager at GWP Packaging, said: “The new equipment makes us considerably more efficient when producing taped cartons for our eCommerce customers. 

"The growth in this sector, particularly during the pandemic years, means that this equipment will create benefit for many of our customers.”

“The initial results, in terms of both the output and the quality of the packs we are producing, are very encouraging.”

Managing Director Ruth Cook said: “We have always felt it vital to continually invest in our business, and this proactive approach has remained since we became part of Macfarlane Group. 

"The new kit ensures we maintain and improve efficiencies throughout our manufacturing operations and offers increased capacity to existing and potential customers.”

The purchase follows GWP’s recent £200K investment in solar panels, installed at the beginning of July, which are expected to produce 40 percent of its energy requirements moving forward. 

In total, the company has invested around £2m in new equipment and infrastructure over the past decade.

The company, purchased by Macfarlane Group PLC in 2021, employs approximately 100 people at its production sites, design studios and offices in Cricklade and Salisbury.

The wider Macfarlane Group employs more than 1,000 people, recording annual sales of over £280m in 2023 across the UK and Europe.