Further Expansion By Proseal
Food industry heat sealing specialist Proseal has opened a new factory in the UK. Formed by directors Steve Malone and Robbie Hargreaves in 1998, Proseal has not only become the leading manufacturer of tray sealing machinery to all the main food producers in the UK, but is now recognised as a major force internationally, having extended its operation into a number of sites overseas. Last year the company saw a 30% increase in turnover while exports during the period doubled.
The new factory, which was opened by UK Trade and Investment Minister Lord Livingston, is the third at Proseal’s headquarters in Adlington in Cheshire. The additional 25,000 sq ft of manufacturing and office space brings the company’s total capacity to in excess of 120,000 sq ft, ten times the size of the original unit when the business relocated to Adlington in 2003. Over the past 12 months, Proseal has also recruited an additional 50 people, bringing its workforce in the UK to 180.
Meanwhile, the company’s US subsidiary has recently opened a new 5,000 sq ft extension to its operation in Richmond, Virginia. The additional space will enable Proseal to produce bespoke tooling on site for all its tray sealer models, providing a faster response to customer orders throughout North America. The company is also opening a facility in Sacramento to provide more localised service and support for customers on the west coast.
In addition, in recent months, Proseal has opened dedicated offices in Poland and Chile alongside existing operations in Australia and the Netherlands.
Proseal director Steve Malone says: “Our success in export markets is evidence of a growing trend towards convenience products for both fresh and ready prepared foods across all territories and markets. This is leading food manufacturers to source packing solutions that combine quality presentation and effective product protection while maintaining fast throughput.”
Proseal has gained a worldwide reputation for tray sealers that offer flexibility, reliability, user-friendliness, hygienic operation and low maintenance. Innovations that the company has introduced over the years include its pioneering ‘Auto Tool’ connection system, intelligent film feed system and energy-saving Hot Rod and E-seal® technologies. Several Proseal-devised features have now become industry standards.
