The CEO of a company which secured the future of Telford-based packaging firm Sirane says he is looking forward to ‘setting a path of growth’.
Administrators Chris Pole and Ryan Grant, from Interpath Advisory, announced the sale of the business and certain assets of Sirane Limited to the packaging supplier Coppice Alupack last week.
Sirane had been forced into administration on July 15, leading to the loss of 172 jobs, after being hit by financial difficulties due to the impact of rising raw material costs, energy prices, and supply constraints.
Coppice, an international manufacturer and supplier of packaging to the food manufacturing, processing and baking industries, as well as the wholesale, institutional catering and non-food markets, has since made an asset purchase.
The sale sees Sirane’s Emerald site in Telford retained, as well as the transfer of 22 employees of the business, who had been kept on during the administration process.
But Derek Nixon, CEO of Coppice, has confirmed the company could recruit up to 70 per cent of those who previously lost their jobs as the firm looks to restart production.
He said: “We are a strong business with strong foundations, and have been operating for over 50 years.
“We have grown through acquisitions, adding complementary products and ranges to our portfolio and we are proud to be able to add Sirane to the Coppice family; securing its future and those that have been affected during this time.
“Our portfolio of customers lends itself very well to the Sirane product range and it’s an extension of our manufacturing capabilities.
“We now look forward to working with our customers and suppliers, to set a path of growth for this well-respected business.We want to maintain continuity in Telford and get things going again and support those customers who were loyal to Sirane. Our aim is to work with those customers and see if we can build and forge new relationships with those suppliers.”
He added: “We are hoping to recruit a high proportion of the former workforce of Sirane, under the Coppice business and hope to engage 60-70 per cent of them.
“Coppice is a family owned business and we have a lot of long-serving members of staff across our businesses.
“This year alone, more than 25 people, will be going through 25 years of service and we are a multi-generational employer.
“These are things, as a business, outside of our commercial strengths, we want to bring to Sirane as well. For all the troubles it has had, Sirane has a solid base and good, passionate workforce and that’s important for us.”
Source: Shropshire Star
