Burntwood-based S Lester Packing Materials has invested in new machinery after securing a £1.8 million funding package from Lombard Asset Finance.
The firm, which specialises in the design and production of heavy-duty packaging solutions, has used the finance to purchase a new state-of-the-art machine – a TCY jumbo casemaker – to manufacture large boxes.
The investment will enable S Lester Packing Materials to meet existing client demands and help the business to dramatically increase both quality and efficiency on large format and heavy-duty products.
Founded in 1983, S Lester Packing Materials offers customers an end-to-end service, from packaging design and manufacture, to storage, fulfilment and delivery. The company
currently operates from its 45,000 sq ft site on Mount Road and employs 35 staff. The firm has continued to operate through lockdown and has ambitions to grow its turnover, which is in excess of £7 million.
Billy Hutchinson, Managing Director, said: “Our jumbo casemaker marks a significant investment that strengthens our position in the market. This machine is the first of its kind in the UK, enabling us to build on our reputation as ‘Big Box Specialists’ within the UK.
“The funding from Lombard Asset Finance has allowed us to enhance our offering for both current and prospective customers by increasing productivity and reducing lead times, as well as increasing the quality of our finished product.
“Our investment will give us the capacity to grow as a business and we look forward to continuing to service clients in the West Midlands, throughout the UK and across Europe.”
Matthew Brown, Lombard Asset Finance Business Development Director, said: “We have been working with S Lester for the last two years to ensure the firm could make the
significant investment in its machinery and fulfil its growth ambitions going forward. The firm is focussed on the next stage of expansion and we will continue to support Billy and the team with further investment.”