FDBusiness.com

Greiner Packaging is investing the money in state-of-the-art In-mould labelling (IML) technology to expand its packaging range.

Announcing the investment, Northern Ireland enterprise minister Arlene Foster said the money would not only generate 10 new jobs but also help to safeguard the 210 existing roles at the site and support the local economy.

“This investment of £2.2M is a testament to the vision of the company in continually introducing new technology and manufacturing processes that is enabling it to meet market demand for his packaging expertise –   especially from major customers in food processing,” said Foster.

Invest Northern Ireland

The investment was made with the help of government body Invest Northern Ireland, which is contributing £200,000 to the project.

“The company is an important player within the local food industry – especially the dairy sector,” added Foster. “And it is positioned to make an even greater contribution, as the industry continues to grow from the expansion projected by companies in the recently published agri-food strategy ‘Going for Growth – Investing in Success’.

Jarek Zasadzinski, chief executive of the Austrian-owned firm, said the strategic investment in the IML equipment had already enabled the firm to “expand its packaging portfolio and to secure significant new business from international customers”.

The firm has a strong customer base – particularly in rigid packaging for the dairy industry – and the new moulding hall would enable it to develop expertise and products for a wider marketplace, said Zasadzinski.

He singled out the potential to target high-profile clients in the global confectionery industry. “We are very strong player in this market in Europe and we are intending to grow also in the UK and Ireland,” he said.

‘The fastest growing site’

Last year Greiner Packaging achieved growth of more 17% – making it the fastest growing site within parent firm Greiner Packaging International, according to the company.

“The UK operations are one of the strategic sites in Europe,” said Zasadzinskii. “The site will see a significant investment in the near future in both manufacturing and warehousing facilities. This investment helps us to look in the directions we never looked at before and be much more competitive on the market.”

Greiner Packaging specialises in the production of rigid packaging for the food industry in Great Britain and Ireland.

Last month, it launched a 2.3 litres PET jar designed for cold fill product in partnership with Newtownards-based Rich Sauces.