Spectra Packaging has experienced another hugely successful year as the company continues to flourish.
Building on impressive year on year figures, 2016 saw Spectra report 10% growth, in line with 2015. The past year saw a number of exciting developments for the company, further reinforcing its position as a leading independent packaging manufacturer in the U.K.
The last 12 months saw Spectra continue to evolve, with growth and expansion still very much the underlying trend. Investing heavily in additional tooling and machinery to meet customer demand, Spectra also continued to swell staff numbers across all departments, strengthening existing areas of the business as well as developing new opportunities and positions, a move that has greatly increased capacity.
Joe Maynard, Managing Director at Spectra is both delighted with how the previous year has gone as well as excited for the coming twelve months.
He said, “Through the excellent endeavours of our hardworking, dedicated staff, we continue to grow something special. Although it’s hugely satisfying to look back over another great year, we’re always more focused on looking to the future”.
Indeed, it would appear that with so many new projects in development, the company has rarely had time to look back, with Spectra continuing to innovate in 2016, pushing the boundaries in rigid plastic packaging.
For instance, Spectra’s expert in-house decoration department continued to develop more innovative ways to add real value and purpose to customer packaging.
Earlier in the year, Illuminate, another clever, yet useful print effect was launched to widespread customer interest. Only visible under UV light, Illuminate looks set to be an ideal solution to the increasing problems of product counterfeiting. Similarly, Spectra’s Touch raised print effect was also unveiled as the perfect solution for adding Braille onto packs without the need for bespoke tooling.
The previous year also saw the company expand its portfolio of standard designs with new packs added in both HDPE and PET. Spectra also grew its impressive Tubular Range further, which is now arguably the largest on the market.
2016 also saw Spectra launch a new oval snap-on flip-top closure (ref: 3030) with new packs to go with it, notably The Elba and their new Encore range of ovals. The company plans to introduce more shapes to complement the new closure in 2017.
Spectra also witnessed significant take-up for custom moulding projects for a wide range of key customers in 2016, something Joe sees as clear evidence of Spectra’s tooling capabilities.
He added, “Although we made great strides in expanding our standard ranges, last year was extremely strong for custom moulding projects. Seemingly customers enjoy using Spectra for bespoke packaging, with the trust and confidence that we can deliver time and time again”.
2016 also saw Spectra’s continued rise receive recognition with two nominations in the highly competitive Cosmetics and Personal Care category at the Luxury Packaging Awards in London in September.
The two shortlisted packs, one for Elemis, the other for Josh Wood, illustrated perfectly Spectra’s creative credentials, showing how far the company had come in such a short amount of time, further establishing the firm as a leading supplier of luxury packaging.
The Luxury Packaging Awards also coincided with a hugely successful appearance at Packaging Innovations London. This followed Spectra’s 6th successive appearance at Packaging innovations Birmingham earlier in the year. It was at this event the company unveiled their latest innovation prototype designs to positive visitor feedback.
In 2016 international uncertainty was witnessed with the U.K.’s decision to leave the European Union, an event that’s real impact remains to be seen. However, despite Brexit, Spectra continued to make superb inroads in Europe with impressive export growth figures in excess of 50%.
The company forged excellent relationships with agents and partners across Europe, whilst bolstering their in-house export team, a move that Joe believes has helped Spectra grow its overseas presence further.
He said, “We have made superb progress with repeat business for a number of UK customers and our established domestic reputation continues to filter through to a number of European territories which is immensely pleasing. The coming year looks to be an exciting one for Spectra overseas”.
Spectra’s continuing growth within the European market will be reinforced with the company’s first exhibition in France at PCD (Packaging of Perfume Cosmetics Design) Paris later this month.
The coming year
Spectra will be looking to build on last year’s successes with some key developments, which look set to take the business to another level.
One such activity is the company’s expansion plans for their manufacturing plant, which will increase their size by another 50%. With building work planned in 2017, Spectra’s bespoke site will grow an extra 24,000 sq. ft. to 80,000 sq. ft. in total with completion planned for the end of this year. Additionally, provision has been made for 3 more units measuring 24,000 sq. ft. each to accommodate future growth.
Joe sees this as a significant milestone in the company’s history.
He added, “When one looks at our humble beginnings back in 2007 to where we are planning to be next year, our growth has been quite staggering. Commitment to continual investment has helped us consolidate year on year and our rapid rise within 10 years shows our intent. We are well placed to genuinely claim to be a real force within the packaging industry with the capacity to deliver”.
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