German packaging giant launches in Yorkshire
A GERMAN company has established a joint venture in Yorkshire manufacturing packaging for products under the Cadbury, Quaker Oats and United Biscuits stables.
The Weidenhammer Packaging Group has formed the partnership with Bradford-based Chesapeake Branded Packaging, formerly Field Packaging, a subsidiary of the US-based Chesapeake Corporation.
Weidenhammer UK will manufacture composite cans at the site and expects sales in the UK to reach a multi-million pound figure this year.
The Bradford operation boasts more than 30 employees working on four assembly lines, producing cans for a number of companies who manufacture goods ranging from porridge to coffee.
Mike Ridgway, who joined Field Packaging in 1969, is the new managing director of Weidenhammer UK.
The new Weidenhammer UK joint venture will initially concentrate its manufacturing operations at the existing plant but has plans to launch a larger production premises in Bradford by 2010.
The Bradford factory will supply the UK but will also manufacture packaging for export to other specialised markets.
Ralf Weidenhammer, Weidenhammer's chief executive, said: “Within a short time, we plan to offer the British market the same product portfolio that is currently available in mainland Europe. Up until now, transport prices and a relatively weak euro exchange rate have prevented us from exporting our products from continental Europe.
“Our new joint venture has always been our vision. With an excellent location in England and our highly motivated team, combined with the Weidenhammer technical expertise and customer portfolio, we are well positioned for future success.”
With 11 production sites, 950 employees and projected annual sales of £144m by the end of this year, the Weidenhammer Packaging Group is one of the world's two leading suppliers of composite cans, composite drums, tubes and plastic containers.
The company was established in Hockenheim in Germany in 1955.
Weidenhammer's customers include Nestlé and Procter & Gamble.
