£8m investment expands German packaging solutions group’s Irlam factory
Source: The Business Desk. Author: Neil Hodgson
Plastic packaging solutions business, WERiT, has opened its expanded production site in Irlam following an £8m investment that has already created nine jobs.
The site headcount has increased from 50 to 59, with further recruitment planned.
WERiT is the UK operation of the WERiT Group, a family-owned German business specialising in industrial packaging and plastic products.
The new facilities were inaugurated by Mrs Sandra Morrison, Honorary Consul Manchester, German Missions in the UK, who joined WERiT managing director, Sunny Prakash, WERiT group managing partner, Joerg Schneider, and David Hilton, business development director with Manchester’s inward investment organisation, on a tour of the upgraded site.
The investment has delivered a 3,000 sq m warehouse extension, a two-storey 860 sq m office complex and modern blow-moulding machinery, boosting capacity to meet rising demand, support sustainable growth and create jobs. The expansion increases the total site footprint by 40%, just over 10,000 sq m, larger than before.
WERiT supplies clients across the food and beverage, chemical and petrochemical sectors. Customers include KTC Edibles, Regus Sugar, Kerry Ingredients, GreenChem, Tetrosyl, and Autosmart.
As part of its long term sustainability plan, WERiT is installing solar panels, introducing electric forklifts, EV charging points, and aiming to become a paperless site by 2028.
The company maintains strong links with Salford University and the Greater Manchester Growth Hub to support skills development and regional economic participation.
Sunny Prakash said: “The expansion of our premises marks a pivotal moment for WERiT. Since establishing ourselves in Greater Manchester in 2003, we have grown by serving customers nationwide.
“Now, by increasing our capacity, modernising our infrastructure and advancing sustainability, we are better positioned than ever to deliver quality, reliability and innovation.”
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “WERIT is an important advanced manufacturing company in the Salford area, working closely with partners such as the city council, MIDAS and the University of Salford, to support the local economy and provide opportunities for local talent.
“This expansion is an example of how Salford and Greater Manchester are attracting important investment, helping to grow the local economy and create skilled jobs.”
David Hilton said: “WERiT’s latest investment demonstrates how Greater Manchester continues to attract world class businesses from across the globe.”