Co-packing company acquired

After several years of international logistics and co-packing experience, Keswick Enterprises moved into UK contract packing and fulfilment in 2008 with the acquisition of food and confectionery co-packer SGL Co-packing, based at Nelson in Lancashire. This business has almost doubled in size, and further growth is anticipated after recent significant investment in facilities and equipment.

APS – which has been in Blyth since it was formed 35 years ago by managing director, Judith Leighton and her sister-in-law Margaret Watson – is said to be one of the UK's leading non-food contract packing companies. It has extensive expertise in assembling, collating and packing merchandise and giftware for manufacturers, importers and retailers.

Ms Leighton said: “The acquisition is the result of six months' work to identify and secure the best new owner. Keswick Enterprises already have a strong track record in contract packing, and I am delighted to announce that they will be taking the business forwards. They also own a number of complementary businesses – which will add to APS's capabilities. Above all, however, they have the right ethos and share our values.”

APS has historically has been the co-packer of choice for multinationals like Procter & Gamble, Diversey, L'Oreal, Nike and The Body Shop, along with local manufacturers and printers.

The business currently employs over 80 permanent staff, but is able to expand to 250 with temporary recruitment to meet seasonal demand. It is based at a 65,000 sq ft factory/fulfilment centre and offices with a satellite facility in Derby.

Keswick Enterprises' main board Director Gavin Withers will join APS as Chairman, while fellow main board Director Barry Croft will also take a place on the divisional board.  The APS management team will remain in situ, and Ms Leighton has agreed to stay as a strategic advisor to the business.

The terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.