Co-founder returns with Cheshire Fillers MBO

A LIVERPOOL small business which makes and supplies travel-size personal care and cleaning products is entering a new era after one of its founders returned to lead a management buyout.

Speke-based Cheshire Fillers, which supplies airlines and retailers, has been bought by Neil Hawkins from its current managing director Peter Higham.

The pair and Mr Higham’s wife Sandra founded Cheshire Fillers in 1995 before Mr Hawkins  left two years later.  Since then he has held senior operations and production positions in the food and packaging sectors before rejoining the business in 2010.

The deal was funded by Royal Bank of Scotland in Warrington.

Cheshire Fillers manufactures travel size 22mm and 25mm pump spray canisters, which are filled with hygiene, personal care and cleaning products. 

These include the company’s own-branded products such as breath fresheners, lens cleaners, deodorants and sunscreen sprays. 

Its ‘REFRESH’ range, comprising an air freshener, hard surface cleaner, and sanitising hand gel is supplied to a number of airlines. 

Products are sold via distributors and found in most of the UK’s major supermarkets, high street retailers and optician chains. Based on Speke Hall Industrial Estate the company has a turnover of £780,000.

Neil Hawkins said: “Since rejoining the business 18 months ago Peter and I have been working towards this sale and we are delighted this process is now complete. 

“As well as satisfying a personal aim to keep manufacture in the UK, the buyout provides continuity for staff and customers. I look forward to working with both and beginning a new chapter in Cheshire Fillers’ successful history.”

Phil Evans, relationship director at RBS in Warrington, added: “Neil’s wider industry experience combined with his inside knowledge of the business mean he is the perfect candidate to take over the ownership of Cheshire Fillers.”