Durham Box appoints new general manager to boost expansion plans

Steve Dowbekin

CORRUGATED packaging manufacturer Durham Box has announced the appointment of Steve Dowbekin as general manager. The move is part of the firm’s expansion plans.

With over 40 years’ experience in the food manufacturing industry, Dowbekin’s career has included roles with retailers, bakeries, and manufacturers, including Maple Leaf Foods and Warburton’s. His most recent role was operations director at Gateshead’s Northumbrian Fine Foods.

Durham Box said his primary focus will be on areas across the business that require improvement, energising staff to work smarter and more effectively and developing systems across all departments to create optimisation improvements.

“I believe a lot of skills come with experience, and I’m lucky to have worked in many businesses that have invested in me personally,” Steve Dowbekin said. “I come from the shop floor and am proud of that fact, have performed most roles in my time, and have always recognised the importance of inclusion, respect, communication and leadership as key drivers of positive behaviour.

“I’d like to think I will bring change where needed, but done in a way that’s collaborative, cohesive, and enables each change to be sustained.”

Dan Morris, MD of Durham Box, added, “We are delighted to welcome Steve to our growing team here at Durham Box. His multi-faceted experience will be crucial for the next phase of our ongoing growth plans, and I look forward to seeing him really make a difference in his role, helping to build the foundations for the business to thrive as we continue to expand in the years to come.”