UK-based corrugated packaging specialist GWP Group has significantly enhanced its production capabilities with the installation of new automated taping equipment.

The machinery, which went live earlier this month, is primarily dedicated to producing taped boxes with integrated tear strips, a packaging format in high demand from e-commerce retailers across the south-west of England.

The company said initial production runs have yielded impressive results, with output increasing by up to 16 times compared to previous methods.

This productivity boost is attributed to the equipment's integration with the company's existing machinery.

“The new equipment makes us considerably more efficient when producing taped cartons for our e-commerce customers. The growth in this sector, particularly during the pandemic years, means that this equipment will create benefit for many of our customers," said David Mason, sales manager at GWP Packaging.

“The initial results, in terms of both the output and the quality of the packs we are producing, are very encouraging.”

GWP's parent company, Macfarlane Group, has consistently supported investments in this side of the business.

A recent £200,000 ($258,131) outlay on solar panels, which is expected to generate 40% of the company's energy needs, complements the latest equipment acquisition.

Over the past decade, GWP has invested approximately £2m in new equipment and infrastructure.

“We have always felt it vital to continually invest in our business, and this proactive approach has remained since we became part of Macfarlane Group," said Ruth Cook, managing director at GWP.

"The new kit ensures we maintain and improve efficiencies throughout our manufacturing operations and offers increased capacity to existing and potential customers."

GWP employs approximately 100 people across its Wiltshire, UK, sites and is part of Macfarlane Group, a leading packaging distributor and manufacturer with more than 1,000 employees and annual sales exceeding £280m.