Saica Flex, the flexible packaging division of Saica Group, proudly unveiled its state-of-the-art machinery and facilities during a significant event at the Saica Flex site in Wigan on March 19th. This €7.1 million investment, featuring cutting-edge technology, aims to enhance Saica Flex’s operations and bolster the group’s rapid growth, signifying a crucial milestone in the division’s pursuit of improved production efficiency and sustainability in food and drink packaging.
This strategic investment is poised to reinforce Saica Flex’s competitive edge in the flexible packaging market by integrating innovative equipment that fosters creativity and productivity. Notably, the upgrade includes a high-tech printing press and advanced conversion equipment, featuring specialized perforation units, an innovative hole-punching system, and a high-speed slitting machine.
The introduction of this new technology significantly enhances the production of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), which is essential for food and drink products that require an extended shelf life, such as sliced onions, diced fruit, and cut vegetables. With MAP, shelf life can be extended from 4 to 6 days, offering a stark contrast to the mere hours without such advanced packaging solutions.
Moreover, this investment will create a lasting positive impact on the Wigan community. Saica Flex plans to generate up to 20 new local jobs, with 11 hires already in place, thus fostering economic growth and providing valuable employment opportunities within the area.
The launch event drew together key figures from Saica Group, Wigan Council, and the UK government, including John Edwards, UK Government Director for the Department for Investment, Councillor Nazia Rehman, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources, and Transformation from Wigan Council, and Debbie Parkinson, Mayor of Wigan. Additionally, Laura Garcia Alfaya, Consul General for the Spanish Consulate in Manchester, was also present, alongside Joe Manning, Managing Director at MIDAS (Investment in Manchester), and members of the Saica Flex Steering Committee.
“This investment shows unprecedented progress for Saica Flex,” said Susana Alejandro, President & CEO of Saica Group. “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.”
The event not only celebrated new technology but also underscored Saica Flex’s unwavering commitment to growth, support for local businesses, and the development of sustainable high-quality packaging solutions for food and drink products.
