ONE of the UK's biggest packaging businesses is set to invest £500,000 in new machinery to maintain its position as a market leader.
Synpac in Priory Park West, Hessle, is the country's largest producer of vacuum bags and pouches.
The firm manufactured almost 64 million of them last year and is investing ahead of unveiling a new range.
Owners George and Sheila Webb have just celebrated their business's 30th year.
Mrs Webb said: "Our intention is to retain our number one position and we are presently looking to invest a further £500,000 in new machinery.
"We want to show the rest of the UK that Hull can lead the way in manufacturing and supply as well as being the UK City of Culture 2017."
Synpac started life in 1984 after the closure of Smith & Nephew Plastics.
It began modestly but production quickly increased.
Mrs Webb said: "As with many start-ups, Synpac began in a modest, rented unit, importing and selling barrier bags for vacuum packing before we moved into manufacturing in 1986.
"We have moved on a long way since those days. We are immensely proud of our number one position and our plan now is to bring in more state-of-the-art equipment."
Today, Synpac has a two-acre factory and office site and a 22-strong workforce.
The aim is to increase production by 25 per cent and recruit more staff.
Mrs Webb attributed the growth in part to a committed team, most of whom have been with the business for at least 11 years.
Coupled with a strong focus on the early adoption of new technology, she said it had helped the company to retain a loyal customer base.
More than 40 per cent of clients have used Synpac for a decade.
The owner said: "We have always embraced film technology, which is the essence of high-quality vacuum packaging, and have always worked hard to try to set new standards in innovation and productivity, improving the quality of the product and even helping to reduce the carbon footprint.
"It's fair to say most plastics manufacturing companies have been through the mill in recent years, because of oil shortages, high polymer costs, the constant imbalance in currency exchange rates and, of course, the recession.
"But these challenges often strengthen a company and by addressing bottom-line costs, maintaining greater efficiency and investing in the very best equipment, Synpac is in a strong position."
