A recently announced multi-million-pound machinery installation at leading flexible packaging supplier, Wipak UK, is set to be the largest of its kind in the country.
The landmark move will see Nordmeccanica Group, the biggest manufacturer of coating and laminating machinery for flexible packaging, industrial and pharmaceutical applications, supply the Welshpool-based firm with a combi laminator that will significantly enhance its capabilities and sustainable packaging product offering.
“The combi laminator will be the first of its kind in Wales and one of the largest installations in the UK,” said Vincenzo Cerciello, Vice-President at Nordmeccanica. “From a strategic point of view, the installation project is really important to us. With it, Wipak UK will produce pure innovation and expand its sustainable packaging range, which aligns with our own goal to supply environmentally friendly solutions for a better life. Like Wipak UK, we are looking to the future, developing and supplying machinery with low energy consumption, minimal or no emissions and unmatched performance.”
“It is fantastic to see investment like this in the UK, particularly following Brexit. It is a very big honour and we are proud to deliver this very important machine.”
Richard Redfern, Director of Redfern Machinery – the UK and Ireland agent for Nordmeccanica, added:
“This is not only a landmark installation for Nordmeccanica, but for Redfern as well. What is exciting is that Wipak has set the amazing target of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and we believe that this machine can help achieve that in the UK, well ahead of everyone else.”
Wipak UK announced its £5million strategic investment in November last year. In addition to the combi laminator, the investment will see an advanced slitter and laser machine installed at the factory in Welshpool, Powys.
“The combination of these two machines will give Wipak UK a truly unique offering,” explained Keith Gater, Technical Development Manager at Wipak UK. “Not only will we be able to create flexible packaging solutions with significantly less plastic, a lower carbon footprint and packs which are easier to recycle, but we will open up multiple laser technology techniques and can process a wider range of material types, including those that better meet clients’ sustainability agendas. This will help us provide REAL benefits for our customers, consumers and the environment.”
