PACKAGING machinery manufacturer GIC has started its 40th year in business by strengthening its team.
The company, which designs and builds vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) equipment, was incorporated in 1984 and initially supplied contract electrical labour to industries including power stations as well as providing control panel building capacity for local manufacturers such as packaging machine manufacturer Rose Forgrove in Leeds.
In 1993, the firm started designing and manufacturing a range of VFFS machinery, which for a short period were badged and sold by Rose Forgrove. However, within a couple of years, sales were brought back in-house.
Today, GIC employs 25 people and turns over more than £6 million per year.
With a healthy order book, GIC has taken on two new employees: Luke Cappleman and Oliver Kirman. Luke has joined as a mechanical engineer having spent ten years with another machinery manufacturer, while junior draughtsman Oliver returns to GIC after two years at another company. Oliver previously worked as a mechanical engineer at the business until 2022.
“We are delighted to welcome Luke and Oliver to GIC,” said MD Andy Beal. “2024 is a very special year for us as we celebrate the company’s ruby anniversary. Since GIC was established in 1984, it has developed a large and loyal customer base in both the UK and further afield.
“2023 was an excellent year for us, and we have a healthy order book and a pleasing number of enquiries, so we’ve decided to strengthen our team to ensure we can maintain the high standards we’ve become known for.”
Mr Beal and his business partner, Luke Murphy, assumed control of the Gainsborough-based business in 2006 through a management buyout.
“The last 18 years have flown by,” Luke added. “It seems like only yesterday that Andy and I were completing the management buyout. At that time, we had our sights on growing the business, developing high-quality and efficient packaging machines, and providing exceptional after-care service to our customers. That is still our goal today, and I think, looking back on what we’ve achieved in the last 18 years, it’s proven a successful approach.”
