PERFORMANCE packaging specialist Cepac has revealed it is embarking on a three-year investment in developing its physical footprint in the north of England.
With over £53 million earmarked for infrastructure, equipment, and new jobs, the business is about to start the first phase of its ‘Rotherham 2’ project, which will see the company grow its range and output of corrugated cardboard packaging solutions.
Initially announced in 2024, the firm is embarking on a move that will result in additional advanced technology at the Meadows Road site in Rotherham. The investment will see the building of new factory space with ‘state-of-the-art’ equipment.
“To expand our range for our growing customer base, we are investing in a series of innovative technologies for the project,” said Steve Moss, group MD. “In phase one, we are allocating roughly half of the total investment sum to modifying the existing layout and capability of the existing site.
“We are completing the phased upgrade of the existing corrugated board making machine and then adding several new, high-speed converting lines and increasing our despatching & warehousing capability in-line with this current, and future investments. The new machines and despatching area will be accommodated by the addition of around 60,000 sq ft of factory space at the existing plant. The new despatch and warehousing area will ultimately link the existing and new factories.”
Cepac added that the project will see the following actions:
- Factory extension for the existing site immediately, creating new factory space in 2026 and 2027;
- Fully upgraded BHS Corrugated cardboard machine, which will be able to produce up to 240 million sqm of board per annum;
- Several new converting lines for printing, die-cutting and folding & gluing of boxes;
- Enhanced Work in Progress (WIP) lines and warehouse despatch;
- Further investment in renewable energy;
- Recruitment of new operators for the expanded production capabilities.
“We are excited to get this multi-phase project underway,” Steve Moss added. “Off the back of several years of growth within the company and picking up significant accolades at industry award events, this next phase of investment will help maintain our growth trajectory and support our position as one of the country’s most innovative producers of next generation print and packaging for customers across the UK. It will also sustain and create vital employment in the region, which is great for the local economy and local communities.”
