PLANNED expansion at a Keighley-based packaging specialist has continued through another acquisition.

PFF Packaging Group Limited, an independent producer of plastic packaging for the food sector, has taken over Washington, Tyne & Wear-based Intelligent Packaging Solutions Limited which designs and manufactures packaging for products such as dairy, ice cream, salads, soups, ready meals and chilled foods.

In addition to its range of thermoformed and injection moulded products, IPS is also the only UK manufacturer of the Desto Cup, the combination of a lightweight plastic inlet and a cardboard wrap around sleeve.

The deal adds product finishing capabilities, including labelling and printing to PFF’s operations.

It is PFF’s second recent expansion in the North East following the acquisition of Gateshead-based Thermopak in December, Thermopak,which has 70 employees, has been re-named PFF Packaging (North East) Limited and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the PFF Packaging Group .

Andy Bairstow PFF managing director, who launched the business in Bradford as a one-man operation in 1993, said : “The acquisition of Thermopak was a natural progression for us as there is a great deal of synergy within the two businesses. The extra capacity, combined with the capability to manufacture in a broad range of polymers, will allow us to significantly increase our market share within existing markets and expand into new areas. This latest (IPS) acquisition not only further increases our capacity for the production of thermoformed products, but adds injection moulding and product finishing to our portfolio, allowing PFF to deliver a complete turnkey solution to our customers' food packaging requirements.”

The IPS deal has increased PFF Group’s total available production area to 250,000 sq/ft and expands its extrusion production capacity to more than 22,000 tonnes a year. PFF is now capable of producing 60 million units a month, making it a significant player in the market.

The PFF Group now employs 225 staff and supplies a diverse range of innovative products, designed and manufactured to satisfy the stringent visual, hygiene and environmental demands of blue chip businesses, including a growing number of the UK’s leading supermarkets.

Mr Bairstow said the company’s philosophy of continued growth and expansion was likely to see further investment in 2015. . This, together with their focus on product development and customer satisfaction, will consolidate PFF’s position as a group of companies with the capacity, expertise and standards of a market leader.