Pacepacker heading to EEF nationals

Pacepacker, which employs 27 staff, won the Innovation Award for its Mixed Tray Loader, which quickly and efficiently generates assorted trays of mixed products enabling retailers to display a wider range of product types, flavours and variants in the same shelf space. Sponsored by HVM Catapult, this EEF award celebrates manufacturing innovation, whether demonstrated through product development or operating practices that have driven greater productivity, efficiency or business growth.

Pacepacker was up against stiff competition from a range of innovative businesses - small and large - from across the region. The company was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics after impressing them with its development of the offline portable MTL system.

With the regional title now secured, Pacepacker Services will now go on to compete for the national title at an awards gala dinner in London in January next year.

Dennis Allison, Managing Director at Pacepacker Services, says: "This award is testament to our hard-working and dedicated team, and we are delighted to have won. It puts us on the map as a modern and innovative company and goes some way to demonstrate the valuable contribution made by local manufacturers, like ourselves, to our region. We can't wait to share this news with all our staff, customers and suppliers.

"It's fantastic to get this far and now we're all looking forward to the national finals in January to see how we measure up against the rest of the UK."

Dick Elsy, Chief Executive at HVM Catapult, says: "Innovation, the drive to deliver ever better goods or services and the focus on continuous improvements in process and practice, is at the heart of every great company. It is key to the efficiency, outstanding productivity and world-beating competitiveness that creates robust, sustainable growth. Innovation creates opportunity but it is challenging. Those who master it deserve our recognition and praise. Pacepacker are worthy winners of the Innovation Award."

On a winning streak, this is Pacepacker's fourth industry title secured in three months. In September, the company won two gold innovation titles at the 2017 PPMA Group Industry Awards and several weeks later scooped the skills and development category at the national Food Processing magazine award. The MTL innovation has now won three national trophies since its inception, including a PPMA, Food Processing and now the EEF regional gold award.

Dennis adds: "These wins are a great tribute to our staff who look after our customers and provide a level of service that results in consistent repeat business. A great deal of effort, R&D and investment in the newest technology goes into projects, like the Mixed Tray Loader, that are worthy of winning industry awards and enhance the retail experience for consumers."

To learn more about the company please visit www.pacepacker.com.