Packaging firm Weidenhammer hits major milestone
A YORKSHIRE packaging company has hit a major milestone after launching the second pillar to its business.
Bradford-based Weidenhammer UK – a subsidiary of German headquartered Weidenhammer Packaging Group (WPG) – has produced its first plastic packaging for United Biscuits’ Family Circle brand.
This new plastic container, using in-mould labelling (IML) technology, paves the way for the roll-out of the important plastic packaging business in the UK.
Head of international sales and key accounts, Thomas Strieder, said: “This is the second pillar to our business which is growing and allows us to offer a unique one-stop-shop.
“This brings huge opportunities in the UK because we now have two product ranges, composite cans and IML plastic containers.
“The packaging industry sometimes struggles but our business is growing. We have followed the market and what the customers want and it is a huge advantage to be able to present two highly decorated packaging types: composite cans and plastic containers. It saves time and money for our customers.
“Family Circle is a huge and famous brand and we are really proud to be a part of this.”
Mike Winship, sales manager at Weidenhammer UK, said: “We have been preparing carefully for this significant step for almost a year.
“Family Circle biscuits rank among the most popular brands in the UK. Thus, the new box is an important reference product for us.”
United Biscuits is WPG’s first customer for plastic packaging in the UK and has been working with the West Yorkshire business for a number of years.
Ed Fuchs, purchasing manager at United Biscuits, said: “It was a logical step for us to extend this collaboration to plastic packaging.”
WPG has already successfully established its IML plastic packaging division on the German market and Mr Strieder said he considers the UK an important future growth market, too.
He said: “The UK is a trendsetter for high-quality and large volume plastic packaging, especially regarding diversity of form and cost efficiency compared to metal cans. We are already in negotiations with further potential customers.”
