High-powered delegation tours state-of-the-art paper plant
Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe, Andrew Mitchell, visited a key paper products recycling plant in South Manchester.
He toured the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Saica’s mill in Carrington, with Saica Group managing director Pedro Gascon, David Hilton, head of business development at Manchester´s Investment Development Agency Service (MIDAS), and Martin Phelan, international director of Northern Powerhouse Investment.
Saica, which is the largest European player in the development and production of recycled paper for corrugated cardboard, showcased its innovative paper machine during the tour.
In 2006, Spanish-owned Saica group entered the UK market and since then the group has made an investment of around £530m in the country.
Currently, Saica is the third biggest player in the UK and Ireland in the development and production of recycled paper for corrugated cardboard and in the production of corrugated cardboard.
“I’m delighted to visit Saica in Manchester today,” said Mr Mitchell.
“This is a company whose £500m investment in the city has created invaluable jobs and contributed to the development of new skills in the local community.
“It is a great example of the value of foreign direct investment to the UK economy.
“Britain remains the number one destination for investment in Europe and it is our aim to remain the best place on the continent to bring new business.
“To do so, we will work with investors such as Saica to understand how we can continuously improve and develop our offer,” he added.
Pedro Gascon responded: “We are honoured to welcome Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe, this was an excellent opportunity to showcase the innovative work which is taking place throughout the facility and display the hard work of our employees.
“This was a timely visit. As a European company, we believe that maintaining legal certainty and transparency will help us to understand UK’s future trading relationship with Europe,” he said.
