Duraweld has acquired rival stationery and packaging producer Prima after its owners decided to step into retirement.
Andrew Birkinshaw and Richard Cragg will, however, support the transition for the next few months while Jon Simms, who joined Prima in 2015 to develop sales in packaging, will continue with the business.
Duraweld operates from a factory in Scarborough while Prima has operated from Bradford which has die cutting and folder gluing as well as the high frequency PVC welding that Duraweld also offers. The deal takes Duraweld into mainstream packaging for the first time.
Managing director Mark Yeung says: “As a market leader in customised stationery and packaging, Prima further extends our range of products, enabling us to continue to expand the business. In such a competitive sector, it’s vital to keep looking to the future and planning for growth – the acquisition of Prima will make a significant contribution to our business, adding to our skilled team and building on the solid foundations we have established.”
Prima was formed from the ashes of Bradford Boxmakers in 2020 and in the 20 years since has established a reputation for folded cartons, point of sales and corrugated goes as well as PVC covered ring binders, presentation boxes and folders. As well as structural and graphic design at one end, the company offers Scodix digital enhancement at the other. It delivers litho lam corrugated as well as direct litho printing on thinner board styles.
Yeung became managing director of Durawaeld in 2008 and this is the first acquisition since then.
It offers screen and digital printing, wrapping, foil blocking and embossing with high frequency and sonic welding.
The deal was completed in just three weeks, though a move of relevant technology from Bradford to Scarborough will take a little longer.
