AUTOPACK, a supplier of packaging and processing machinery, has marked a tenfold growth in turnover over the last five years and set its sights on acquiring more businesses.
The Hereford-based company is forecast to post a £12 million turnover this year, with the firm already £1.5 million ahead of its sales targets in the first quarter of 2025. In 2020, the company’s size was £1.2 million with a workforce of five. The team has now grown to 25.
The business is targeting further growth, with an additional unit in Hereford coming on stream this month.
“Our success is based on meeting the needs of our customers, whether they are blue chip or SMEs,” said Autopack MD Wayne Kedward. “The growth of our business over the last five years reflects that. Innovation comes through our collective experience and expertise, and while this strategy has been successful for our own business, our customers have also grown through automating their manufacturing process.”
Autopack added that it has mapped out a strategy to acquire businesses that builds on its recent M&A activity. In 2020, it bought Spanish flexible packaging equipment specialist Postpack. This was followed by the addition of Gainsborough-based engineering business Technosys in 2023.
“We are actively building a pipeline of acquisitions to maintain our momentum and deliver even more value to our customers,” added Wayne. “The addition of new businesses to Autopack enhances our knowledge base and expertise, as well as reaching out into new markets.”
The 25-strong workforce is also set to grow and is being bolstered by Autopack’s commitment to training and apprenticeships. “Investing in apprentices and career development creates opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Wayne. “Autopack can share knowledge across generations of experts and build a diverse, inclusive and supportive culture.”
