Universal Flexible Packaging moves forward with popcorn growth

Universal Flexible Packaging is a family-run business based in Leicester that started as a packaging film supplier but has since expanded its operations to cover a wider range of products and services, including cardboard packaging, contract packing and popcorn fulfilment. It can receive, pack, box, label, store and deliver almost anything apart from, currently, powdered goods.

The company offers flexographic and rotogravure printing in up to 11 colors on mono and laminate film reels, which is produced off-site under management by Universal Flexible Packaging and brought in, with in-line lamination and cold sealing available. Universal Flexible Packaging has in-house slitting facilities.

As such, it can supply rolls of slit films, as well as pre-made bags and pouches, printed or plain, with various options for format and closure. Its flexible packaging offering includes Amcor’s PushPop, Flexcan and Flex pouches, plus quad bag and Doypack types.

Universal Flexible Packaging further offers design and concept facilities to create artwork and labels per the customer’s specifications.

In addition, Universal Flexible Packaging has its own popping plant to produce popcorn that is then packaged as required. Universal Flexible Packaging produces popcorn for some of the top brands in the UK as well as its own brand.

It is this area of the business that Universal Flexible Packaging is working to expand with a new factory in Lewisher Road, Leicester due to come on stream in spring 2015, with steelworks and a mezzanine floor already installed.

Concrete is to be poured in the next fortnight allowing for the installation of the first seven popcorn production lines in December and January. 

Fit out works are being undertaken by Winbur Construction and GPL Construction (UK) and the project schedule is going to plan. The company hopes to have moved all popcorn lines into the new factory by the end of January and they will be shortly followed by installation of the Rovema bagging lines. 

Universal Flexible Packaging commercial director John Harrison said: ‘As business is so buoyant, the sooner we get the new factory up and running the better. We are already using some of the storage areas to assist in the busy run up to the Christmas season and are looking forward to establishing our production lines in there too.’

Tinku Durrani, Universal Flexible Packaging managing director, added: ‘We have had some excellent new business wins recently with major food organizations which mean that we are keen to get into the new plant as soon as we can.’