Chadwicks moves into shrink sleeve market

Bury, UK-based pre-cut lid manufacturer Chadwicks is moving into the shrink sleeve market following recent investments. The firm has purchased a selection of finishing equipment, including a DCM sleeving machine with hot melt adhesive application, a DCM Babycat inspection system and temperature controlled storage areas for raw materials.

Production is focused on meeting niche requirements for quick turnaround, short-to-medium-run specialist shrink sleeve products, including tapered cup applications with a selection of hot melt adhesives and Sleeve & Seal for full body applications with easy peel perforations.

Sales and marketing director Martin Hardman said: ‘The move into sleeves is driven largely by existing customers’ demand for the proven Chadwicks service but providing it in sleeves – there are many benefits of sourcing lids and sleeves from one supplier.

‘The plan has been measured and heavily supported by our parent company the Clondalkin Group. Clondalkin wanted to expand production of sleeves into the UK to support the market and we have spent considerable time and invested capital in making sure that everything is exactly right to give us a good platform for launch.

‘When we recently invested in a new 1.2 million 8-color MPS flexo press, we did so with shrink sleeve manufacture in mind.

‘We are fortunate to have been able to draw on the expertise of our sister company Nyco in Switzerland during our set-up period which has allowed us to enter the market with a premium product right from the start.’

Chadwicks is a manufacturer of pre-cut lids to sectors including food, dairy and beverage markets and exports 50 percent of its output as far afield as the Far East and Australia and New Zealand. Chadwicks is part of the Flexible Packaging Division of the Clondalkin Group which has, over 40 manufacturing sites located across Europe and North America.