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Saica Group has invested an estimated total of £16m in the UK facilities of its flexible and corrugated packaging divisions, creating new jobs and boosting both capacity and growth
Saica Group has announced multiple major investments in the UK arms of its flexible and corrugated packaging divisions, building new facilities, upgrading equipment, and creating new jobs in local areas.
Saica Flex, the flexible packaging division of Saica Group, has received a multi-million-pound investment, designed to strengthen Saica Flex’s position in the competitive flexible packaging market and support rapid growth.
The €7.1m (£5.9m) investment includes an array of new technology, namely a new printing press as well as updated conversion equipment including specialised perforation units, an advanced hole-punching system, and a high-speed slitting machine.
The new technology aims to enhance the production of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for products that require an extended shelf life such as sliced onions, diced fruit, or cut vegetables. According to Saica Group, this type of packaging extends the shelf life from four to six days, depending on the product, whereas without it the products would only last for a few hours.
The investment in Saica Flex is also predicted to create up to 20 new local jobs in the Wigan area, with 11 recruits reportedly already hired.
Saica Flex officially launched its new machinery and facilities at an event hosted on-site in Wigan on March 19th.
The event brought together key representatives from Saica Group along with members of Wigan council and the UK government. Other attendees included John Edwards, UK government director for investment at the Department for Business and Trade, Nazia Rehman, portfolio holder for Finance, Resources, and Transformation from Wigan Council, and Debbie Parkinson, mayor of Wigan.
Speaking of the investment in Saica Flex, Susana Alejandro, president and chief executive officer of Saica Group, says: “This investment shows unprecedented progress for Saica Flex. It not only strengthens our manufacturing capabilities but also solidifies our commitment to the Wigan community.
“We are excited to create new jobs and contribute to local economic growth. With our advanced machinery, we are prepared to meet the growing demands of our customers while continuing to lead the way in sustainability and innovation.”
Saica Group also recently invested an estimated £10m in the UK division of Saica Pack, the corrugated packaging division of the Saica Group, launching a new warehouse facility project in Hartlepool.
According to a statement from Saica Group, the investment was made to solidify its footprint across the UK by meeting the growing service demands of customers nationwide.
The investment aims to offer further capacity for both sheet and converted corrugated products. The new facility will house up to 9,000 pallets, more than double the estimated typical capacity of most warehouses in the region, which the company says average around 4,250 pallets.
Features of the warehouse include the incorporation of solar panels, expected to generate up to 10% of the plant’s total energy needs, reducing the carbon footprint of the operations and aligning with Saica’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The space will also feature a dedicated area for the logistics team and a resting zone for drivers.
Speaking of the Hartlepool investment, Riccardo Tonelli, Northeast regional director for Saica Pack, says: “This investment in Hartlepool is a key milestone in Saica’s long-term commitment to the region. It reflects our deep commitment to delivering exceptional service, enhancing our operational efficiency, and creating sustainable solutions for our customers.
“By integrating renewable energy and supporting local employment, we’re not just expanding our business – but strengthening our foundation for decades of growth and progress.”
Commenting on the impact of the investment on the local area, Ben Houchen, Tees Valley mayor, adds: "This £10m investment is a fantastic boost for Hartlepool, creating new opportunities and showcasing a strong commitment to our region.
“With its focus on renewable energy and local employment, this project reinforces what we’re all about – growing our economy in a way that supports our people and our planet.”
The investment project commenced in January 2025, with construction expected to continue throughout the year.
