Food packaging firm celebrates 21 years of business after international sales boost

A leading North East catering and food packaging company’s 21st birthday is a double cause for celebration, following a massive boost in international trade.

GM Packaging at Tyne Tunnel Industrial Estate, North Shields started off modestly selling printed carrier bags to a range of customers. But now, thanks to years of diversification and growth, the company has achieved a £2m turnover and a customer base which includes everywhere from Nigeria to Iceland.

Managing Director Graham Montague set up the business after initially working in the chemical industry, recognising a gap in the market. Since those first days the company now offers around 1000 product lines, including fast food containers and cups.

The company supplies high profile companies including The Nuffield Group along with local authorities, hospitals and food chains such as Nudo.

Montague said, “We have had a really good couple of years with some excellent growth and a huge expansion of our overseas market. We now have 11 staff and are looking to recruit more and are also planning to move again into larger premises to cope with the demands.”

The company also provide personalised packaging for a number of leading organisations as well as being able to corner the market in specialised, smaller volume orders.

Montague continued, “Because of digital technology it is much easier for people to get smaller runs of specific items now, rather than in the past when they had to order massive volumes.

‘The focus of customers has also changed in recent years. The emphasis now is very much on environmentally friendly packaging and we sell a huge amount of recyclable, compostable items.

“We are delighted to have had such a good few years and we believe we are on course for this growth to continue as we expand into more and more countries.”