As the UK’s leading rigid plastic packaging manufacturer, Sharp Interpack has responded to developments within the fresh produce industry for over thirty years, progressing innovative solutions which enable the company to deliver customer requirements. As these requirements increase with extended seasons and greater supply chain demand, Sharp Interpack is employing a proactive approach and working closely with customers to ensure future customer needs are met and that Sharp Interpack becomes an integral part of the fresh produce industry.

Since its foundation, Sharp Interpack has endeavoured to implement beneficial change to its customers through its technical expertise and packaging knowledge. In the mid-nineties, the manufacturer was the first to launch its SP range which was designed around crate fit with one top size and a range of depths, facilitating handling and processing. This concept was then enhanced a year later with a PP range and today Sharp Interpack offers a choice of PET, PVC and PP products.

As the industry has changed with new market demands, Sharp Interpack has changed accordingly, introducing bespoke ranges for premium lines and investing in its own future as well as that of its customers.

Earlier this year, the company made a multi-million pound investment in Somerset to create a brand new, purpose-built production, storage and distribution base. Adding to existing facilities, Sharp Interpack has established a fully-integrated manufacturing operation capable of producing the most innovative and demanding packaging solutions. The modern design of the building marks the organisation’s significant step forward.

In the meantime, Sharp Interpacks’ Kent site is undergoing redevelopment creating extra onsite storage. The level of stock within the new high bay warehouse will be tracked and monitored with a new barcode stock control system which means orders can be processed more efficiently and coordinated to meet increasing customer requirements.

As part of the supply chain and logistic enhancements across the company, a new method has been introduced which allows Sharp Interpack to supply quality, high-performance punnets and lids to customers throughout the year. A new forecast system implemented earlier this year with customers, encourages the regular collection of forecast data so issues such as stockholding and last minute changes to an order, can be avoided.

Ruth Price, Market Manager for Fresh Produce comments: ‘Sharp Interpack has built a reputation on its expertise in delivering innovative solutions but this has been a process which has happened over time by listening to our customers. In moving forward, we are encouraging wider communication channels which need to be a partnership between Sharp Interpack, its customers and the retailer. This is an ethos very much at the heart of Sharp Interpack since new ownership three years ago which has seen the business improve in both investment and structure.