Sharp to boost rigid plastic packaging production

Sharp Interpack Yate managing director Andrew Copson said the first new rotary thermoforming line was already commissioned and would be operational next month.

"We have had good success in the meat, poultry and wider produce sectors and we will expand further into these markets," he said.

There is space for additional lines, which will be phased in over the coming months, "depending on other developments".

Sharp Interpack acquired the Yate site when it bought Rexam's food plastic packaging division in October 2006. The deal was the result of a four-year £42m investment in Sharp Interpack by its owners, the South African De Jager brothers.

Copson said the increased capacity would be a "solid base" for future developments and sent a "positive message" of Sharp Interpack's confidence in the business to the 150 staff at Yate and its customers.

The firm said its proprietary rotary thermoforming technology allowed it to produce packs with smooth edge contours and easy "a-to-b" de-nesting, as well as intricate designs and the Sharplok padless trays.

Sharp Interpack, also known as Sharpak, operates from three sites in the UK at Aylesham in Kent, Bridgwater in Somerset and Yate.

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