Faerch Plast unveils new factory in Durham

Faerch Plast, the Danish family-owned packaging business, unveiled its new factory in Durham yesterday with a promise to create up to 150 jobs.

In what is seen as a vote of confidence in the North East, Faerch Plast is to gear up production of plastic food trays at the former Veriplast UK facility, which it bought last year and has completely refurbished at an undisclosed cost.

The plant is already in production, using six thermoforming machines and employing 36 staff.

Once running at full capacity - within three to four years - the facility is expected to be using 30 machines and, fuelled in part by the UK’s appetite for ready-made meals, will be producing 300 million plastic food trays a year.

Opening the factory in front of local dignitaries, customers and members of the Faerch family, leader of Durham County Council Simon Henig said the decision by the firm to invest in the city was a “tremendously positive move”.

“We’re delighted Faerch Plast has chosen Durham and look forward to working with such an innovative company, one which is adding to the area’s diversity,” he said.

Alluding to Viking raids which took place along the North East coast more than 1,000 years ago, Henig said it was great to have a “friendly Danish expedition” arriving on the region’s shores for a change.

Describing Durham as a “beautiful town”, Lone Faerch, representing the company’s owners, said the city had a “long industrial tradition which we can work with. We are looking forward to forging closer links with the local community and our customers with this venture”.

Joe Iannidinardo, managing director of Faerch Plast UK, congratulated the Durham team for getting the plant operational on time and voiced his optimism about the future, particularly the firm’s commitment to the local community, its suppliers and customers.

“Ultra-modern production lines have been designed to meet the highest quality and hygiene standards and we’re confident customers will quickly benefit from the closer support and enhanced lead times offered by a local service,” he added.

As well as the former Veriplast factory, Faerch Plast has acquired a neighbouring building from Durham County Council and plans to develop the site, a move which could almost double the capacity of the existing plant.

Meanwhile the UK is seen as a “major contributor” to the firm’s growth plans, said Lars Gade Hansen, Faerch Plast’s chief executive.

“This investment will significantly enhance our service and support capabilities in the country,” he added.

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