Aluminium food-packaging venture expands with acquisition

A BRIDGEND food packaging venture has expanded after acquiring a Midlands rival out of administration.

Aluminium foil manufacturers Coppick Alupack, which is part of the Euro Packaging Group, has acquired Cannock-based Nicholl Food Packaging.

The deal, the value of which has not been disclosed, has safeguarded all 92 jobs at a Staffordshire-based manufacturer and supplier of aluminium foil products.

Nicholl was established in 1989 and supplies the food distribution and processing industry, predominantly in the UK and US. After running difficulties Eddie Williams, Sarah O’Toole and Jon Roden, of professional advisory firm Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed joint administrators last month.

Mr Williams said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to conclude a sale of all the operations to Euro Packaging Group. Nicholl had been experiencing significant cash and creditor pressure over several weeks prior to our appointment and our rapid assessment of its funding position and viability underlined the serious challenges the business faced. The Grant Thornton and Euro Packaging team have worked tirelessly since our appointment to achieve this sale on an accelerated basis under these difficult circumstances.”

Shabir Majid, of Euro Packaging, said: “We are delighted with this acquisition, the group will gain the benefit of Nicholl’s increased capacity, tooling range and customer portfolio within their sector and in particular allow us to expand further into UK and overseas. This acquisition now firmly places Coppice Alupack as the leading supplier of aluminium foil products into the UK market.”