A PACKAGING solutions company based in Salisbury is relocating to a purpose-built new site in Andover.

Test Valley Packaging is moving its base as part of a £1.3-million investment that will bring together the manufacturing, distribution, and storage operations under one roof, reducing their overall carbon footprint.

The switch from Salisbury to the 88,000sq ft site in Andover will help deliver efficiencies to Test Valley Packaging’s operations and enhanced service levels to customers, a spokesperson said.

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The company said the investment represents a continuing commitment to customers to provide a truly sustainable packaging solution and an extension to the UK manufacturing capacity.

The spend includes new offices, racking for the storage facility and a state of the art manufacturing plant, enabling a considerable reduction in supply chain lead time.

Andover was chosen primarily because of its proximity and excellent road links to the firm’s current site, meaning less staff disruption. The excellent transport links have the additional benefit of reducing carbon emissions and driving efficiencies. It is also a return to where Test Valley packaging was originally established and provides an excellent opportunity to work with more customers in Andover.

The spokesperson said: “Test Valley has been a leading supplier of sustainable packaging to the South West of England for over 40 years.

By upgrading its operations, the new manufacturing facility will help the company deliver further efficiencies that will boost the drive for more innovative and eco-friendly products, such as the revolutionary Hexcel Wrap ‘paper bubble wrap’.”

Managing director Jerry Steedman said: “We are capitalising on the opportunity that this ‘blank canvas’ affords to design both our manufacturing and storage facilities to be fit for the future. With greater capacity we will have the advantage of smarter buying and bespoke stock holding, which will help protect customers from any supply chain disruption as well as minimise their carbon footprint.

“Refocusing on planet friendly packaging solutions, Test Valley is focusing its innovative approach on launching new sustainable options throughout 2022. The company aims to reach new markets across Europe and the UK to follow on from the success of its suite of paper cushioning and void fill machines.

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“Test Valley is so excited at the opportunities the larger premises will offer it is planning an open day (date to be announced). Both existing and new customers will be able to tour the facility to see for themselves the impressive set-up and learn about the earth friendly solutions Test Valley Packaging are developing.”

For more information, please visit www.testvalleypkg.co.uk

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