Ross Johnston Ross Johnston/Newsline media
(L to R) – Packed Up Co-Founder Samantha Wright, Hub Packaging Chief Financial Officer Lee McDowell, Packed Up Co-Founder Sean McConochie & Hub Packaging Chief Operating Officer Martin Smyth
Following a highly successful first five years in business and continued expansion for Aberdeen-based packaging company Packed Up, founders Sean McConochie and Samantha Wright have announced an exciting milestone as the company joins forces with Northern Ireland packaging supplier Hub Packaging to facilitate further growth.
The deal closed in April for an undisclosed sum and brings together two dynamic, forward-thinking businesses in the UK’s packaging industry whilst providing scope for further investment in Packed Up to develop its strong customer base across Eastern Scotland and extending its reach across Scotland over time.
With a shared focus in offering customers packaging solutions which meet their unique requirements and an emphasis on providing sustainable and innovative options, this partnership brings together complementary strengths and shared values which will enable both businesses to enhance the support, expertise and resources available to clients.
Becoming part of the Hub Packaging Group will enable the team at Packed Up to offer a wider product range to the sectors they service including engineering, technology, offshore, food and retail. Plans are in place to invest in new capabilities and broaden their offering, whilst day to day operations will remain largely unchanged with the full Packed Up leadership team, staff, facilities and brand retained.
Commenting on the newly forged partnership Sean McConochie, Managing Director at Packed Up said, “From the initial discussion with Hub, we were impressed with their commitment to developing relationships with their customers for life. They clearly understand what customers value, then work exceptionally hard to deliver it, time and again. Both businesses share a common value set, and it made all subsequent discussions positive and forward looking. Hub have enjoyed year on year growth of circa 20% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) over the past decade, so they understand how to build a compelling proposition for customers.”
Reflecting on the completion of this deal which was months in the making, Hub Packaging CEO Andrew Ward said, “Linking up with Packed-Up made perfect strategic sense; we have been considering a move into Scotland for some-time and now have the opportunity to fully leverage the expertise which exists in the Packed Up team. From day one we were highly impressed with the team and their commitment, energy and knowledge. We now look forward to continuing to work closely with Sean, Sam and the wider Packed Up team to achieve our ambitious growth plans.”
Founded in 2021, Packed Up has built a strong reputation with customers, quickly becoming recognised as a trusted packaging partner in the Northeast of Scotland. The business currently employs ten staff with a reputation for being responsive, reliable and customer centric.
A leading packaging supplier on the Island of Ireland, Hub Packaging was founded in 1977 by Ben Crozier. Over the past decade under the leadership of CEO Andrew Ward the business has grown turnover from £3m to £25m+. Recently, the company has announced an ambitious growth plan to reach £40m+ turnover in the next five years with the strategic appointment of David Quigley, formerly of Coca-Cola Hellenic, as their Chief Revenue Officer to shape and drive the company’s commercial strategy. The acquisition of Packed Up is one of a series of planned, strategic alliances and acquisitions to enhance Hub Packaging’s offering, reach and position within key sectors.