This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Solidus with the launch of a comprehensive ‘one-stop-shop’ business model in the UK. The head office will be situated in Skipton, North Yorkshire, with ambitious plans for expansion in 2025 aimed at doubling the current 70,000 sq ft facility. Alongside this, Solidus will enhance its existing production unit in Corby, Northamptonshire, which was expanded to 170,000 sq ft last year. A new 30,000 sq ft facility in Armagh, Northern Ireland, is set to open in the first quarter of 2025 to support growth across the Irish market. Currently, the workforce comprises approximately 150 employees, evenly distributed between the two operational sites. Initially, the new Armagh facility will create up to five jobs.
The growth of operations is essential to the overall evolution of Solidus Solutions, the Netherlands-based parent company, renowned as one of Europe’s oldest cardboard manufacturers. Solidus established its UK footprint in 2018 when it acquired a majority stake in Skipton-based Northern Paper Board, originally founded in 1979 by brothers John and Paul Curran. John Curran continues to lead the company under Solidus’s ownership.
Moving forward, investment in advanced machinery is critical for Solidus. The company is also focused on new product development to expand its reach within the rapidly growing UK customer base. Solidus prioritizes innovation in food and drink packaging while maintaining sustainability.
All products offered by Solidus are fully recyclable and designed to serve as sustainable alternatives to plastic and polystyrene trays as well as wooden containers. The range includes circular paper-based packaging and solid board products tailored for various sectors, including meat, poultry, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, boxes, trays, and punnets.
Additionally, Solidus has introduced a line of retail-ready packaging known as ‘Futureline,’ specifically designed for the retail and foodservice sectors. These products, which are also fully recyclable, reduce plastic content by at least 80% and significantly lower CO2 emissions. Among these innovations are MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) products, skin packs, fish boards, and an expanding selection of standard and top-seal punnets.
Driving the company’s future growth strategy is Director of Sales Paul Garstang, who states: “This keynote investment not only cements our position as market leader, the only manufacturer of solid board in our geographic market that currently has the breadth of capability and capacity sited in the UK, but it’s also a real game-changer for both the company and our expanding customer base in order to underpin both current and future business expansion potential.”
“Sustainability remains at the heart of the operation as Solidus strives to develop and deliver safe, sustainable food packaging solutions across all target sectors. We remain keenly aware that more and more consumers are choosing products made from renewable resources that will help protect our planet and its precious ecosystems.”
“We remain a major force in the continuing battle to reduce plastic waste, to tick the right boxes when it comes to corporate and social responsibility, to contribute to a cleaner world with less waste. The value cycle starts with renewable forestry and continues with recovered paper from which fibre-based board is produced.”
