Graphic Packaging International is to move its Bristol operation to a state of the art site, doubling the floor space available for beverage packaging products.
The new site is at Yate, closer to the motorway network than its current Fishponds plant and covers 24,000m2. The company is promising to expand and upgrade production capabilities at the site, but as yet has made no announcements. The new site is expected to be fully operation before the end of the year and will be “one of the largest and most technologically advanced sheetfed folding carton plants in Europe” according to a company statement.
The operation specialises in packaging for drinks companies and has developed KeelClip a cartonboard device to hold canned drinks together. The expanding demand for this and other fibre based packaging applications has led to the investment.
General manager beverage, EMEA for GPI, Martin Sheppard says: “This key investment in our Bristol operation makes for exciting news for our customers and employees. It reinforces our commitment to the UK and European beverage packaging markets for decades to come.
“It has been an exceptional few years for our Bristol site, and we look forward to making an even greater impact on our local economy in 2023 with the relocation of our facility to a significantly larger site – a move that will provide many new jobs. The boost to capacity means the future is very bright indeed for our Bristol operations.”
The company hopes to continue the wave of innovation. The new site, built as a warehouse facility with 11 access doors, 28 dock level doors and a floor to eaves height of 10.7 metres, will also house an innovation centre to which customers will be invited for inspiration and collaboration on new products.
It is likely that Koenig & Bauer will benefit from press orders for the plant. The site will use large format offset presses and the German press manufacturer with the Rapida 145 and Rapida 162 models is almost on its own in this sector following the decision of Heidelberg to withdraw from this market segment.
Heidelberg had earlier provided its XL145 machines to GPI’s plant in Leeds while also supplying factories in Gateshead with B1 machines. GPI also runs B1 Komori in the UK thanks to its acquisition of AR Packaging which had bought Firstan Cartons.
