In Brief: Macpac buys Midland rival; B2B opens London office

STOCKPORT-based packaging firm Macpac Ltd has bought Northampton-based competitor Hamilton Plastic Packaging Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

Macpac, which specialises in thermoformed packaging and trays, is owned by Graham Kershaw and his family. It supplies a range of bespoke and stock packaging to industrial clients and blue chip retailers.

Following the deal, Hamilton’s production operations are being transferred to Macpac’s newly-refurbished Heaton Mersey premises.

Mr Kershaw said: “Hamilton’s customers should see new and improved services. The fact that we are BRC/IOP accredited should immediately reassure any food industry customers of our credentials.  

“We’re really looking forward to working with our new customers and helping to improve their businesses.”

The firm was advised on the deal by Stockport-based law firm SAS Daniels. Head of corporate Jeremy Orrell said: “We are delighted to have assisted Macpac in this significant step-forward for the company.

“The deal is another sign of confidence in the North West manufacturing industry and further proof that in the current climate, there are opportunities for firms like Macpac.”

Last year, Macpac completed a £750,000 expansion programme that included investing in new plant and expanding its premises by added an extra 15,000 sq ft of space.

:: 

B2B International, the Bramhall-based market research firm, has opened a new central London office.

The new office will be run by research manager Matt Powell, who joined the business in 2004. 

He has worked with several of the firm’s university clients and for private sector clients including ADT, Ashland Chemical, Autoglym, John Wiley, Microsoft, and Travis Perkins, among others. He has also worked for a spell in the firm’s Beijing office.