Chesapeake upgrades Scottish plant
project at its specialty paperboard packaging plant in East
Kilbride, Scotland.
Chesapeake has completed a $16-million (€14.3m) modernisation project at its specialty paperboard packaging plant in East Kilbride, Scotland.
The plant produces a wide range of packaging products, primarily for the Scotch whisky and fine spirits industry, using lithographic and flexographic printing technology. Chesapeake's refurbished East Kilbride plant also serves the confectionery and household goods sectors.
"This extensive modernisation project confirms our commitment to the alcoholic drinks sector and to maintaining a strong presence in Scotland," said Thomas Johnson, Chesapeake CEO. "We're maximising efficiencies throughout our global manufacturing network, and our significant investment in East Kilbride would not have been possible without the grant provided by the Scottish Executive and the collaboration of our employees, customers and suppliers."
Andy Kerr, Scotland's Minister for Finance and Public Services, said: "The decision by Chesapeake Corporation and its Field Packaging subsidiary to consolidate and strengthen its East Kilbride operation is welcome news for Scotland," said Kerr. "The confidence demonstrated by Chesapeake's investment in its East Kilbride operation confirms that Scotland remains a location where innovation and competitive manufacturing can flourish."
Chesapeake made extensive changes to the plant layout to improve manufacturing efficiencies and work flow as part of the18-month project. The company installed new equipment including printing presses and other converting equipment, as well as a highly automated material handling system. These improvements are aimed at strengthening the East Kilbride plant's ability to respond quickly to market changes and continue to meet stringent customer quality requirements.
The refurbished plant now features two flexographic printing presses with integrated finishing capability along with a 10-color lithographic press capable of applying metallic inks and two-varnish finishes. Cartons can be produced using various substrates such as film-laminated board and corrugated materials.
The East Kilbride plant operates as part of Chesapeake's UK-based Field Group subsidiary. Chesapeake Corporation is a leading international supplier of specialty paperboard and plastic packaging with headquarters in Virginia. The company is one of Europe's premier suppliers of folding cartons, leaflets and labels, as well as plastic packaging for niche markets. It has more than 50 locations in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia and employs approximately 5,900 people worldwide.
