The packaging printing and finishing specialist Herbert Walkers has invested over £3 million to improve its production facility in West Yorkshire.
The company’s Shipley headquarters is set to benefit from a 2-year programme of improvements, including the purchase of new equipment. The building itself will also be renovated, with planned works including the installation of new windows in office areas and a brand new floor for the factory.
It’s all part of a drive to boost efficiency at the facility, as well as increasing capacity and bringing in new technology to keep the company at the top of its game.
Speaking to Insider Media Limited, managing director Mike Lammas explained the rationale behind the £3 million investment programme. He said:
“We have seen increased demand for our printing and finishing expertise for the packaging sector as retailers and brands reshore their requirements to the UK and work with experienced partners like Herbert Walkers to overcome supply chain and lead time challenges.
“Our investment programme is all about increasing our capacity with the most advanced equipment from the industry’s premium OEMs, while maintaining high standards of quality across a full offering of printing and finishing services. In this way, we can continue to offer our customers a joined-up approach, a reliable service and full accountability from a single print partner.”
Established in 1946, Herbert Walkers is a premium print and packaging specialist. It has a number of high-profile clients from across the retail sector, including Hotel Chocolat, Kopparberg, St Moriz and Marlow Foods.
Cutting-edge machinery to be installed
At the heart of the company’s strategy for its Shipley improvement programme is technology. One of the major new purchases will be a BOBST VISIONFOIL 104 machine. This is capable of foiling a huge 7,500 sheets an hour. Once installed, it’s expected to significantly increase the capacity of the three existing BOBST foiling machines at the Herbert Walkers HQ.
Other new machinery purchases include:
- A new Signature folder-gluer machine
- A BOBST Novacut 106 ER diecutter
- Multiple new card folding and packing machines.
Improving sustainability in Shipley
Alongside the installation of new equipment and renovation works to the building, Herbert Walkers is also investing in a long-term sustainability strategy for its West Yorkshire facility.
The company will be undertaking a comprehensive project to assess, monitor and manage energy consumption. It will also map out a journey towards achieving net zero carbon targets.
The aim is twofold. The first goal is to reduce operating costs, while the second is to fulfil the company’s commitment to sustainability – a key part of its overall operating model.
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