A Bradford-based manufacturer of printed cartons and leaflets has had its second change of ownership in two years.

The deal will bring new investment to the Bradford plant which employs 160 people and could lead to new jobs.

Storey Evans, based in Robin Mills, Leeds Road, Idle, supplies material to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry in the UK and Ireland.

The £14m-turnover company has been acquired by M.Y. Healthcare, part of South Africa-based packaging group Nampak.

Gerard Harford, Storey Evans managing director, said: “We are delighted to become part of Nampak with its international reach and market prominence.

“Not only is our operation and the sector we serve a perfect fit with M.Y. Healthcare’s, we also share the same commitment to the highest standards, use of state-of-the-art technology and stringent product security.

“We welcome this move as it will bring new investment, will secure employment in Bradford and could lead to some new jobs in future.”

Mr Harford said Storey Evans remained protected from the credit crunch because of its focus on the pharmaceutical sector and the continued need for healthcare packaging. Its customers include Johnson & Johnson, SmithKline Beecham, Novartis and Pfizer.

The Storey Evans management team will remain with the company, as will the Bradford employees.

Tom Reid, managing director Nampak Europe, said: “This acquisition is important for M.Y. Healthcare in a number of ways. We share an excellent fit with Storey Evans and as one company, we can now build on this in our marketplace.”

Storey Evans moved to a 170,000 sq. ft site at Robin Mills from Rawdon ten years ago and invested more than £1.5m in new plant and machinery.

In 2006 the company, which was founded in Leeds in 1898, was sold by the Storey family to Northern Irish printing company MSO Group.