Scottish paper packaging specialist McLaren Packaging has revealed a new joint venture (JV) with VPK Packaging UK & Ireland, part of the VPK Group, to create a 50/50 business partnership.

The JV venture, named McLaren Corrugate, will merge McLaren's production facilities in Port Glasgow with VPK's site in East Kilbride, both in Scotland.

This strategic move is expected to enhance the packaging product range and services offered to customers within the country.

Operational management control of McLaren Corrugate will be the responsibility of McLaren Packaging.

The company has assured that its other business operations will remain unaffected by this new partnership.

McLaren Packaging managing director Donald McLaren said: “We are delighted to establish a new joint venture focused on corrugated packaging with VPK’s East Kilbride site.

“We are both family-owned, entrepreneurial businesses and have shared values, which is always a recipe for success.

“This exciting partnership marks a significant milestone for both our corrugate businesses in Scotland. It enables us to use the strengths of the combined companies to deliver a wider corrugate range and service offer, thereby creating greater value for our customers.”

VPK UK & Ireland managing director Jeremy Anderson added: “This is an exciting move for VPK UK & Ireland. McLaren Packaging has a strong position and reputation in the Scottish food and drinks markets, and we have the corrugate manufacturing capabilities to support growth.

“Tremendous opportunities exist between our East Kilbride site, which will enter the joint venture, and McLaren Packaging. The new business will be under operational control of and overseen by a leadership team from McLaren, giving it the local support and focus it needs.”

In July this year, McLaren Packaging introduced a collection of recyclable presentation tubes for the spirits sector in the UK.