NEWTOWNARDS-headquartered packaging production firm Priory Press Packaging has almost doubled its production capacity and created four additional jobs following a £1m investment in a new cutting-edge press supported by Ulster Bank’s asset finance division Lombard.
The Komori press, which features a fully automated plate changing and make-ready process to ensure print and colour accuracy and minimise waste, has boosted production throughput to 15,000 sheets an hour, a considerable increase in capacity compared to the firm’s previous system, and Priory aims to grow its business in the pharmaceutical market.
Established in 1976 by Ernest McConville, it operated as a commercial printing company before adapting to specialise in the production of consumer food packaging 15 years ago.
Under the direction now of Ernest’s son and company managing director Mark McConville, Priory specialises in lithographic printed packaging for a broad range of markets and sectors, including packaging for consumer food and health and beauty products.
Mark said: “This is the single largest investment we have ever made in the business. We know that investing in the right equipment to allow us to diversify into pharmaceuticals comes at a significant capital expenditure.
“The finance facility offered by Lombard means we’ve been able to acquire and commission an asset that will drive growth in a strategic market sector for us over the next 15 years while also improving the quality and efficiency of our current production output.”
Declan Napier, Relationship Director at Lombard, added: “Priory Press Packaging adapted its business once before, having identified a gap in the market for consumer packaging.
“The strict quality and hygiene standards required for consumer food products mean the business is already well structured to diversify into the growing pharmaceutical market across Ireland.”
Invest NI has worked with Priory for the past 11 years and has supported it financially in its latest investment.
