A family-run packaging firm founded in East Ayrshire has returned to the region as part of its continued expansion.
Bridge Johnson, which specialises in a range of packaging solutions and machinery, was founded in 2006 in Kilmarnock by Jon McKechnie as a regional packaging distributor. Within a few years, the firm had outgrown its premises and moved to Glasgow – opening a base in the south of the city before quickly expanding into a second warehouse in the east end.
The company has grown ‘significantly’ since, with customers throughout the UK and Europe – with a focus on assisting clients with sustainability and aiding in the reduction of carbon usage through products such as its Surge Stretch Film, which has helped some companies see a reduction of over 50% in their single-use plastic packaging.
With Bridge Johnson’s Glasgow warehouses reaching capacity and a ‘significant’ amount of third party storage in use, the need to move became a priority for the firm – with East Ayrshire Council working with the company to help it secure a sizeable warehouse and office unit in Kilmarnock’s Moorfield Park.
The move was completed in June this year after new offices were built within the building and fitted out by Ayrshire companies LC Shopfitters and Rakkaus Furniture.
Jon McKechnie said, “This has been an excellent move for us, with our team delighted with the much-improved facilities and all the efficiencies and culture boost this has brought about. I’d like to particularly give mention to East Ayrshire Council who could not have been more supportive. They seem incredibly pro-active and offer many business-friendly initiatives that support sound commercial growth. Their business support team is hands-on and switched-on and definitely worth a call if you’re looking to expand in the west of Scotland.
“We look forward to supporting our clients from our new distribution centre and thank our fantastic team for all their effort in making this such a success.”
David McDowall, head of economic growth at East Ayrshire Council, added, “As a council we always pride ourselves in partnership working, and the confidence Jon and his family have shown in bringing their business back to the area is testament to the way in which our teams work to provide tailored support to businesses – whether that’s with locating and providing properties, recruitment, training and employability support – or helping with grant funding, planning advice or access to business support on all levels.
“Our ambitions for community wealth building are greatly boosted by companies like Bridge Johnson who recognise the advantages of relocating to East Ayrshire. With flexible, purpose built buildings, good transport links and ongoing support from our teams and partner organisations, we look forward to seeing the company go from strength to strength, supplying other businesses with what they need in the drive towards net zero ambitions, while providing new jobs and opportunities for our local economy.”
