Item Products announces new ownership and strategic direction

Item Products, the UK's leading manufacturer and designer of packaging components, has announced that it has been acquired by Jack Cook, son of Julian Cook, the company’s current managing director, and his business partner, Ciaran Glover. The acquisition marks the start of a new phase of leadership and innovation for the firm.

Julian Cook and sales director David Holt, the driving forces behind Item Products' success, have opted to hand over their responsibilities to the next generation, thereby securing the continuation of the company's 38-year impressive legacy and commitment to excellence. The transition comes at a time when both Julian and David are preparing for retirement, yet they will remain closely connected to the business, offering guidance and support during a phased handover period.

Jack Cook, stepping in as the new co-owner, brings a wealth of experience as a chartered accountant, with a track record of managing finance teams in high-growth, private-equity-backed environments. His recent role as group financial controller for the UK’s leading supply chain and logistics consultancy has prepared him well for this new venture.

Ciaran Glover, joining as co-owner, has an impressive background in marketing and product innovation, with extensive experience in the FMCG sector, including over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and food brands. Glover's creative energy and strategic vision are set to drive a new wave of innovation and growth for Item Products.

Under new leadership, Item Products aims to build upon its reputation for dependability, innovation and sustainability. The company is committed to maintaining its next-day/JIT delivery service, while focusing on the agile creation of product solutions in collaboration with its customers. A key priority is to leverage the company's extensive product portfolio for the benefit of their customers, particularly through innovative packaging solutions that address sustainability challenges and deliver cost-savings.

"We are very excited to be joining Item Products at this pivotal point in its journey,” commented Jack Cook. “While maintaining the highest levels of customer service and dependability, we aim to continue building Item Products’ unique brand of innovation and problem-solving for our customers. The evolving global packaging and logistics markets offer new opportunities to deliver sustainable solutions that meet our customers' needs."

Ciaran Glover added: “We have the tools and expertise to address our customers' constantly evolving packaging needs, whatever they may be."

Julian Cook commented on the transition, saying: "David and I are extremely proud of all that we have accomplished at Item Products. Our customers have always been our top priority and we have strived to offer them a service that is second to none. We have complete confidence in Jack and Ciaran and believe that they possess the skills and energy required to take the business to new heights."

Item Products and their new owners will be exhibiting on stand H60 at the forthcoming Packaging Innovations event, being held at Birmingham’s NEC on 21-22 February 2024.

More information on Item Products is available here.