Trio of brands snapped up by expanding packing and stationery business

Packaging and stationery specialist, Duraweld, is continuing its growth by acquiring the business and assets of Celsur Plastics Ltd, Ambroplastics Ltd and Abbey Stationery Products Ltd.

Having served thousands of customers in the stationery, presentation and packaging sector for the last six decades, the three brands have now joined Scarborough-based Duraweld group following their liquidation in January 2023.

Headquartered in Staines, Celsur provides a wide range of pvc, paper over board and polyprop products and promotional gifts.

Sister company Ambroplastics, based in Telford, provides solutions for plastics and card-based products in the presentation packaging sector.

Duraweld has also strengthened its seven-strong sales team and ensured continuity for customers with the appointments of Emma Morris and Sharon Heath, both of whom have worked for Celsur for more than 20 years.

Founded in 1959, Duraweld designs and manufactures packaging and stationery products for customers from the NHS to the FA, working across sectors such as healthcare and retail.

Led by managing director Mark Yeung, it has a purpose-built factory which includes in-house screen printing, digital printing, inline paper over board wrapping, high-frequency welding, sonic welding, digital and hydraulic cutting, foil-blocking and embossing. It employs over 50 people.

The acquisition was supported by Sue Moul, of specialist finance team recruiter Headstar, in Leeds. She has been working with Duraweld as the company’s finance director for the last two years, providing strategic financial support.

These latest acquisitions follow the merger of designer and manufacturer of packaging solutions, Prima Yorkshire, into Duraweld in November 2022.

It expanded Duraweld’s service and product offerings, cementing its position with key customer groups and adding folding card products to the range.

Yeung said: “There are some incredible synergies in the mindset and approach of Celsur and Duraweld – we operate in similar sectors and offer complementary products and levels of service.

“Adding these long-established brands to our extensive portfolio marks an exciting new phase for the businesses – we are looking forward to supporting their former clients, alongside our extensive customer base, all backed by our own deep manufacturing expertise.

“It’s exciting to further expand our customer base during a period of such strong growth for Duraweld, with the move strengthening our position as the go-to business in this specialist sector.

Morris said: “It has been a challenging period but I’m genuinely excited to be joining Duraweld. The team have been great, and I’m looking forward to providing continuity and ensuring a seamless transition for longstanding customers.”

Celsur CEO, Phil Caudle, added: “We are proud of having created a business with a passion for disruption and a vision to shake up the packaging and stationery industry.

“While the pandemic and geopolitics presented us with many challenges, having got to know Duraweld in recent months, we have been impressed by their capabilities and are confident that the businesses have a great future ahead as part of the Duraweld group.”