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Aug 14, 2023

Packaging maker invests as turnover grows in anniversary year

A historic Leeds-based packaging manufacturer is making a multimillion-pound investment in infrastructure and machinery following an increase in turnover in its 170th anniversary year. Roberts Mart

A historic Leeds-based packaging manufacturer is making a multimillion-pound investment in infrastructure and machinery following an increase in turnover in its 170th anniversary year.

Roberts Mart supplies a range of printed flexible packaging to industries including frozen and chilled food, home textiles and confectionary manufacturers.

The 220-strong company is investing more than £7m in the construction of a new single storey warehouse extension, which is being added to the main site building at Aire Valley House, Leeds. This will also include an additional extension to the existing ink store.

Investment in equipment includes €4m on an Allstein Hydro 10 colour flexo printing press and a new Comexi Slitter machine that uses laser technology. This follows the purchase earlier in the year of a new Pouch machine, to the value of €500,000.

The investments will enable Roberts Mart to manage an uptake in new contracts.

William Roberts, managing director at Roberts Mart, said: "Investing in the future of the business is crucial and these recent developments will allow us to operate even more efficiently, future-proof our business and better support our growing customer base.

"The new flexo printing press is capable of running up to 500 metres per minute and comes fitted with the latest A RUN technology which minimises set-up time and also material waste. Whereas the slitting machine comes with laser technology for microperforation and macroperforation for multiple applications and allows us to handle numbering, barcodes, QR codes and security systems which would conventionally be done off-line on a flexo press.

"All investment in equipment supports our sustainable goals, reducing waste and our carbon footprint wherever we can."

Recently filed accounts for Roberts, Mart (Holdings) Co show turnover of £44.6m was recorded in the year ending 31 December 2022, up from £43.7m in 2021.

EBITDA of £2.61m was recorded, compared to £3.73m the previous year.

The company was impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, together with raw material price increases and energy costs. However, new products and contract wins, together with the investment in the business, are set to provide a boost going forward.