Kent-headquartered labelling and packaging producer Leading Edge has invested £3M in a new 19,000ft² factory in Peterborough, which should be fully operational next month.
The plant, which will create 27 jobs, will feature new equipment that complements the company's existing portfolio, including two 9-colour servo-driven Neil Peters UV flexo presses offering fast image register and silk-screen capability. These will enable tactile labels to be produced and ensure "punchy' reproduction of both solid colours and visuals. The factory will predominantly serve fresh food producers.
Leading Edge was established in 1977 in Gravesend, employs 140 and had a 2004 turnover of £20M.
It attributes much of its success to digital technology, including remote proofing systems created specifically to reduce customer lead times. The company has three divisions, producing self-adhesive labels, printed film and wraps, and booklet and promotional labels and coupons.
One key customer sector is fresh produce, a factor which had a major bearing on the new factory's location, as joint md Ian Barwick explains: "This customer base includes both growers and importers, a proportion located in Kent or Lincolnshire, so it made sense when expanding to another site to find a location within this catchment area. We also identified Peterborough as an area for potential growth."
