Northumberland-based packaging print and labelling specialist the Alternative Supply Company aims to increase turnover by a third in the next year to £8m following the transfer of a 25% stake to the £60m turnover Italian food packaging container experts Piber Group, and the move to a 65,000 ft2 production facility.
Milan-based Piber Group, an in-mould labelling pioneer, also offers thermoforming, injection moulding and shrink sleeve decoration.
The Alternative Supply Company - only established in 2001 - has developed a “unique” eight-colour print process to reproduce high quality photographic images directly onto plastic containers and lids.
Sales director Gerard Connolly says: “Piber has been a supplier since we established the company. The new working partnership means it gains access to our expertise in high quality print technology and high speed labelling. The capital injection generated by a transfer of 25% equity will help support our long-term growth plans in the UK.”
The Alternative Supply Company's new Cramlington premises are fitted out in line with its BRC accreditation and now in full production, turning out 50,000 lids and pots/hour for customers including Cadburys Ice Cream, Mackies of Scotland and Rachel's Organic Dairy.
The production line, including a new high speed labeller and soft fruit punnet lid printer, is geared to handle short, flexible print runs for “gourmet”, luxury, and organic food producers. Ten new jobs are expected to be created in the next year.
