PACKAGING machinery manufacturer GIC has announced it sent a ‘record’ number of machines out the door in June.
In a typical month, GIC revealed it would see four of its vertical form fill and seal machines leave its Gainsborough factory. In June, the company delivered ten machines – all to UK food manufacturers.
Orders in the first quarter of 2020 were more than double year on year, and in May, GIC received orders worth more than £3 million. A new apprentice was recently recruited, with the manufacturer stating further appointments could follow if business continues to increase.
“This year has been unlike any other,” said GIC MD Andy Beal. “The pandemic has seen a dramatic increase for UK-produced food, which has seen our customers packing more and more produce. As a result our customers have asked us to deliver machines as soon as possible. We’ve also seen new orders come in as food manufacturers increase their production capabilities.
“There is no doubt that the social distancing measures we have introduced have made manufacturing interesting but credit to our team, they’ve adapted to our new working practices really well, and we’ve been able to meet the increased demand.”
Last month, GIC increased its production area by 90 square metres by investing more than £30,000 in a new mezzanine floor, where the company’s electrical team are now based.
