Connect Packaging is providing packaging to key clients including EGL Homecare who manufacture cleaning cloths and sponges and Primo Manufacturing whose brands include Buster Plughole - both are suppliers to major grocery stores and discount supermarkets whose popularity is rapidly increasing.

The firm, of Benfleet, has installed new state-of-the-art printing equipment including a 4 colour TCY case-maker and a new five-colour Super Flexo machine from Shanghai’s Jinchang Carton Machinery Manufacturing Company.

Boosted high-speed quality printing means that Connect can now produce up to 25,000 boxes per hour - helping the company continue to meet demand in this growing sector.

Combined with a £750,000 investment in digital printing technology last year to revolutionise its production process, the latest cutting edge technology aims to further underpin Connect’s expertise as well as opening new markets.

Sales and marketing manager James Newton says: “Connect Packaging has built an excellent reputation for innovation and service. The installation of this cutting edge technology puts us at the forefront of our industry with the ability to provide fast turnaround times while offering competitive pricing and enhanced quality”

The company, which operates from a 100,000 sq ft factory in Benfleet, Essex, is already one of the largest independent businesses in its sector with sales approaching £10 million a year. It has recently recruited a new head of design, Mark Cheeseman and commercial manager Lee Quelch, and now also has its sights set on employing a new head of digital to push forward further sales.

James adds: “We are investing in the right technology to help us be even more efficient, manufacturing the exact solutions for a sustainable future in shelf-ready packaging. James also explained that the new machinery would be vital in working with Suffolk-based Primo Manufacturing who is at the forefront of the cleaning and chemical products industry.

“We are already seeing impressive results from the Super Flexo machine in terms of its flexibility and quality. As consumers continue to change their loyalty to a newer breed of store where shelf-ready packaging reduces overheads, we’re delighted to be at the heart of production to ensure their unique needs are met.”

Connect Packaging was acquired in December 2013 by the CBS Packaging Group whose head office is based in the West Midlands. One of the first key decisions by CBS has been to back the acquisition of HP’s market-leading technology for Connect.

Connect was founded more than half a century ago and has continued to grow thanks to a first class reputation and this on-going investment programme. Current clients include major UK brands across the retail and leisure industries, as well as business to business with success to date largely attributed to an award-winning in-house design team.