Two North East packaging print firms have come together on the back of new deal.
Cramlington-based Reproflex3, which is specialises in prepress, flexographic plate manufacturing for food firms, has acquired Shildon-based ANF Ltd, another firm which provides flexographic printing plates for the packaging industry. Reproflex3 said the undisclosed deal would support its expansion inside the European corrugated packaging sector by increasing its production capabilities as well as growing its footprint in the pharmaceutical sector.
The firm - which recently made the shortlist for the North East Business Awards' Global Britain Award - has prepress operations in Europe, the Middle East, India and New Zealand. Meanwhile ANF Ltd works with printers and brands, including pharmaceutical companies, in the 海角视频 and Europe.
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Andrew Hewitson, group CEO at Reproflex3, said: “ANF is a respected player in the 海角视频 pharma and corrugated packaging industries, whose expertise is unquestioned with excellent people, processes and products. We are pleased to formally announce this strategic investment for the Reproflex3 Group as we seek to increase our manufacturing capacity and knowhow within corrugate both here in the 海角视频 and internationally.
"By adding ANF’s capabilities and prepress plate technologies to our portfolio of businesses, we can provide customers with an even higher level of service and expertise as we combine the assets and strengths of both businesses."
Paul Stoddart, managing director at ANF, added: “I am pleased about this deal for ANF and our people. Reproflex3 is an innovative and ambitious company with a successful 25-year track record in prepress and flexible packaging. Our talented team will now have access to their state-of-the-art technologies as well as benefit from Reproflex3’s vast knowledge and digital workflow management systems.”
David Ball, co-owner at ANF, said: "We are proud to become part of Reproflex3, their extensive resources will enable us to provide our customers with the highest quality products and services."
Last month Reproflex3 was named the joint Northumberland and Tyneside winner of the Global Britain prize at the North East Business Awards, alongside North Shields firm Insulcon Technical. It will compete against Teesside firm Big Bite and DME Systems, winner in the Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside area, for the overall regional prize.