A designer working for DS Smith Packaging will act as an ambassador for the Make it in Great Britain campaign, which aims to challenge outdated opinions and transform the image of modern manufacturing in the UK.
Gemma Grainger was selected among a group of ‘30 under 30’ high-flying young designers to represent the success of modern British manufacturing at the Make it in Great Britain exhibition at the Science Museum in London this summer.
The group of 30 were chosen from all walks of manufacturing and were selected by a panel of expert judges including Mark Prisk, who was the UK government business minister at the time of the judging.
Following the exhibition’s closure in September, Gemma Grainger will now have a special role in engaging with other young people, to ensure that the next generation is aware of the dynamic potential of jobs and careers in the packaging industry.
“Manufacturing is a fast paced, exciting industry to be in, and design is a crucial part of it,” says Gemma. “DS Smith’s area of expertise is in corrugated packaging, but that’s about so much more than making boxes – the look and feel of packaging that sits on the supermarket shelves is crucial to the overall success of a product.”
As part of the process of attaining her position at DS Smith originally, Gemma designed and mocked up a chewing gum packet, writing one thing about herself on every stick of gum.
“Manufacturers and designers in the industry have to understand the psychology of the shopper, and possess a deep understanding of the production process, supply chain and requirements of the supermarket,” she says.
Paul Jackson, CEO of Engineering UK and one of the 30 Under 30 judges says: “I am always impressed at the level of young talent present in manufacturing and engineering, and over the years have met countless young people brimming with potential who have gone on to achieve great things.”
DS Smith Packaging is the UK’s leading supplier of corrugated packaging. The company’s comprehensive range encompasses retail ready packaging, transit cases, consumer units, packs printed for gift and POS applications, and heavy duty industrial products.
