Skanem opens Cardiff plant

The Skanem Group has officially opened its new labels plant in Cardiff, Wales, which represents an investment of over 3M. Skanem is currently Europe’s second largest label packaging specialist, with two newly acquired manufacturing plants in Poland and Russia, making a total of 12. 
Group president Ole Rugland called Skanem Cardiff the ‘pride’ of the Skanem group. ‘Our belief in the plans of Colin Stafford, Skanem Cardiff’s managing director has been key to the recent investment in plant, machinery and staff development. By looking at the whole process of label specification, employing a proactive approach and employing the latest lean manufacturing initiatives, the team at Skanem Cardiff have made positive contributions to increasing the production efficiencies at our customer’s plants.’
The plant has instituted cross training of staff, said Rugland.  ‘An appreciation of customer needs, manufacturing processes, development initiatives through to production and after sales support, has been instilled into all functions of the business.  A comprehensive programme of personal development has also been implemented recently to increase knowledge and competency of the skill base.  Our work force is our greatest asset.’
Skanem Cardiff has led innovation across the group, with the development of “peel n read” products being a prime example. ‘For the future product development on a group basis is playing a greater role and includes exciting developments such as Radio Frequency Identification,’ Rugland concluded.