Graphic Packaging International operates in North and South America, as well as Europe and Pacific Asia. Credit: Graphic Packaging International.

Graphic Packaging International (GPI), a Georgia-based company specialised in the design and manufacturing of packaging for commercial products, is planning to invest £5m at its Gateshead site in the UK.

According to the company, the investment comes in a bid to meet its customers’ rising demands and to expand its influence internationally.

GPI said that the investment will create more job opportunities in the UK, particularly in its North East sites. The move will also enable GPI to install two new equipment machines at the Gateshead facility, which will increase capacity and efficiency by up to 40 million sheets.

These machines, which will be installed in spring, include a 6-colour, double-coater Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 printing press and a Bobst Expertcut 106 PER cutting machine.

The former has been developed to produce a range of packaging with optimum efficiency and offers several configuration options in the 70×100 format class.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Speedmaster press can work as a traditional commercial or packaging printer, but is also suitable for label printing and web-to-print applications.

The Bobst Expertcut has been developed to maximise productivity and cut down production costs. According to GPI, this machine can reach top speeds of 9,000 sheets per hour.

This cutting machine is often used by packaging companies, especially in the folding carton, print finishing, label manufacture and tobacco applications.

GPI North East plant manager Andrew Pybus said: “GPI’s Gateshead investment will enable the company to meet increased demand from retailers and private labels seeking more sustainable packaging options.

“We are driving innovation in cartonboard to cater for the global environmental trend and our North-East development is key to maintaining our success.

“It is an exciting time for the company and we are pleased to share this prosperity with the region by creating further employment opportunities.”

GPI operates across North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Europe. The company presented its award-winning, plastic-free food bucket at the Packaging Innovations in Birmingham last week.