One of the UK’s leading packaging machinery manufacturers has started its 40th year in business by strengthening its team as it prepares for another year of growth.
GIC, which designs and builds vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) packaging machinery, was incorporated in September 1984 and initially supplied contract electrical labour to local industries such as power stations as well as providing control panel building capacity for local machinery manufacturers, including packaging machine manufacturer Rose Forgrove in Leeds. In 1993, the company started designing and manufacturing a range of VFFS machinery, which for a short period were badged and sold by Rose Forgrove (Leeds). However, within a couple of years, sales were brought back in-house.
This change has proven remarkably successful, with GIC now employing 25 people and turning over more than £6 million per year.
In recent years, the company’s income has risen substantially, and with a healthy order book, GIC has taken on two new employees this month: Luke Cappleman and Oliver Kirman.
Luke has joined GIC as a mechanical engineer having spent ten years with another machinery manufacturer.
The second recruit, junior draughtsman Oliver, returns to GIC after two years at another company. Oliver previously worked as a mechanical engineer at GIC until 2022.
“We are delighted to welcome Luke and Oliver to GIC,” says Andy Beal, managing director. “2024 is a very special year for us as we celebrate the company’s ruby anniversary. Since GIC was established in 1984, it has developed a large and loyal customer base in both the UK and further afield.
“2023 was an excellent year for us, and we have a healthy order book and a pleasing number of enquiries, so we’ve decided to strengthen our team to ensure we can maintain the high standards we’ve become known for.”
Mr Beal and his business partner, Luke Murphy, assumed control of the Gainsborough business in 2006 through a management buyout.
“The last eighteen years have flown by,” says Luke. “It seems like only yesterday that Andy and I were completing the management buyout. At that time, we had our sights on growing the business, developing high-quality and efficient packaging machines, and providing exceptional after-care service to our customers. That is still our goal today, and I think, looking back on what we’ve achieved in the last eighteen years, it’s proven a successful approach.”
GIC was incorporated on 7th September, which is just a few weeks before this year’s PPMA Show, at which Andy and Luke plan to celebrate the company’s 40th birthday officially.
