Move to Leeds sees manufacturer reach double digit growth

PACKAGING firm the OPM Group is looking to double in size after hitting double digit turnover.

The firm has seen turnover increase 14% to £10.5m for the year 2014-15 after moving to Leeds from its bases in Keighley and Bradford just under two years ago.

The firm is predicting a rise to £12m turnover for the current year and the firm is reportedly 10% up in terms of revenue for the first half.

Major retailers have joined OPM’s portfolio of clients, including supermarket giant Asda.

Owned my husband and wife team Chris and Susan Ellison, OPM moved to Leeds in December 2013 after a £2m investment in a 56,000 sq ft site.

Since the firm’s move to Leeds, more than £100,000 has been invested in setting up a repro facility and installing a new press.

OPM employs 74 people in the city, after growing their pre-press, sales and customer services divisions.

Managing director Chris Ellison said: “We set ourselves the objective to be in Leeds. We knew what the benefits would be and so far it’s lived up to expectation.

“We’re a leaner and more efficient business but most importantly we are perceived in the marketplace as a different business.

“It’s not just the new building. The location is attracting business from clients that would have been reluctant to come and see us when we were based over two sites in Keighley and Bradford.

“OPM has a variety of clients based in London, along the spine of the country and Europe so logistically we are now easier to reach via road networks, train or air.”

The firm has been able to recruit from the talent pool in Leeds, as commercial director Susan Ellison said: “Leeds has a greater bank of print related candidates to choose from when recruiting vacancies as we expand.

“It’s just easier to recruit the people you need – not just skilled print operatives but repro and Mac operatives, account handlers – Leeds can cater for the complete ‘supply chain’ required in the demanding print and packaging environment.”

Their attitude is different to other manufacturers who bring in talent from elsewhere in the country. Ms Ellison continued: “We prefer to bring people in at entry level and give them the opportunity to develop within the business within our training academy.”

Mark Goldstone, head of business representation and policy at Leeds Chamber said: “OPM is a great example of a company in a traditional industry making excellent use of new technology and not only responding to changing customer needs but taking a lead on innovation to drive future product development.

“This region has a very strong story to tell around manufacturing and innovation, epitomised by OPM. With a range of support services to facilitate R&D, export advice and available land for development, we would encourage more companies to consider locating here.”

 

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