The Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Victor Robinson carried out a business visit on Tuesday (16 October), meeting Philip Law, Plant Manager at Smurfit Kappa Packaging Solutions, Mallusk.

Smurfit Kappa Packaging Solutions have been operating in Newtownabbey since 1998 providing a range of packaging solutions for the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland and beyond.  The main element in the packaging is cardboard which is produced at a sister plant Smurfit Kappa Lurgan.  In addition to cardboard, Smurfit supply foam, bubble wrap, pallets and crates to provide a one – stop solution.  The Mallusk plant is part of the global Smurfit Kappa Group which has facilities across Europe, South America, Canada and the USA.

Speaking at the visit, Plant Manager Philip Law said “Most of our employees have been here since day one and we see our people as our most valuable asset.  Over the years we have developed a strong team spirit based on respect and with this in mind we believe the continuous development of our staff is one of the reasons our business remains strong in challenging times.  We actively encourage our employees to improve their education and have provided training from NVQs to MBAs.

In difficult economic times we have also continued to invest in machinery to allow us to be efficient and control the costs to our clients, ultimately allowing us to secure employment for our people.”

The Mayor, Alderman Robinson added “It is as always a pleasure to meet an innovative local business that places such a high value on staffing and customers.  The free design service offered by Smurfit Kappa Packaging Solutions allows their customers to have innovative user specific packaging created on their behalf providing a cost efficient tailored service directly targeted to meeting customer needs.“

For information on the Council’s economic development activities please phone Michelle Pearson on 028 9034 0018 or email business@newtownabbey.gov.uk

For information on Smurfit Kappa Packaging Solutions telephone 028 9080 1180 or email Philip.law@smurfitkappa.ie