FDBusiness.com

Terry Cross, Chairman, Delta Print and Packaging Ltd, who was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s honours list for services to the economy and voluntary sector, is accepting the accolade on behalf of all directors and staff who without whom, he says “this would not have been possible”.

Commenting on the accolade Chairman Terry Cross says: “Receiving this OBE is very humbling, though the achievement is not an individual one; it is the culmination of shared effort, drive, ambition and professionalism.  As such, I am accepting the award on behalf of all directors and staff, the support of this close family, without whom this would not have been possible.  I also want to thank them all for their ongoing commitment and dedication.

“We do of course recognise that much remains to be done to increase our customer service level with new and existing clients and will continue our policy of continuous improvement in 2016 and beyond.

“Delta is a multi-million pound global business employing hundreds of people at a high-tech Kennedy Way, Belfast manufacturing plant in what once was one of the most economically deprived pockets in Europe.  Collectively we have made significant progress and it gives me great personal satisfaction to see the positive working environment established by Delta Packaging.

“Delta Packaging produces one and a half billion food cartons a year for fast-food giant McDonald’s among its many multinational clients. The portfolio includes household names and world leading companies such as KFC, Kelloggs, United Biscuits, Bakkavor and Greiner group.  The company also pays nearly £8 million a year in wages, which benefits the wider Northern Ireland economy and is heavily aware of the positive cross community job creation and responsible investment opportunity that this involves.  Jobs are the cement that binds the peace process and we are delighted at the part our US customers play in this important role”.

Discussing the economy and what the future holds for Delta, Terry says: “Two years ago Delta announced a £40 million investment which included the expansion of its 200,000 sq ft plant in Kennedy Way Industrial Estate and the creation of 100 new manufacturing jobs, in addition to the existing 280 jobs, to meet growth in overseas markets.

“We are committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation within the sector and we are investing in skills development and technology to ensure that we maintain our position.  The new 55,000 sq ft building houses one of Europe’s most advanced carton manufacturing environments, providing flexible, high-speed productivity. Last November as part of the investment and to further meet demand, Delta Packaging opened a 100,000 sq ft purpose built factory in Poland.

“Operating under the name ‘European Packaging Solutions’, the Gliwice factory  manufactures sustainable, folding carton board packaging products for a wide range of sectors including food, confectionary, beverage and electronic consumer products and will employ over 100 people.”

Terry continues: “Setting up an operation in Poland is about supporting our facility in Belfast and allowing it to grow.  It means we can grow volumes by having more capacity and be geographically closer to customers in Europe.  By 2020 we aim to position European Packaging Solutions as the default carton supply of choice in the region, employing over 100 people with sales of EURO 30 million.

“Delta has enjoyed year-on-year growth for the last 10 years with turnover last year topping £50 million.  The plan is to grow turnover to £100 million over the next 4 years between Belfast and Poland. The firm’s commitment to reinvesting profits into production technology and knowledge, people, systems and a core focus on R&D and innovative design has allowed it to become a stand-out company in the printing and packaging industry.”

The wider community is a key consideration for Delta and responsible packaging is central to the company’s operating model.  Terry says: “All of our packaging is recyclable – everything we do is carton board based – it is cellulose natural fibre. The company also uses water based sustainable inks which are environmentally safe and exceed the standards laid down by European regulations. I feel that Delta has a bright future and that our ‘can do’ attitude is a defining aspect in our success.”

Terry’s achievement has been recognised by various facets of Northern Ireland society including the Ulster University.  Professor Alastair Adair says:

“I am delighted that alumnus, Terry Cross, winner of the 2007 Ulster University and First Trust Bank Distinguished Graduate of the year accolade, was awarded an OBE for services to the economy and voluntary service to the community in Northern Ireland. As a sponsor of cutting edge healthcare research at Ulster University, Terry is ensuring that the results of this work will be of major benefit to the people of the Northern Ireland and around the world.”