Clifton Packaging Group has made a £3m investment in new machinery to boost output amidst continued growth.

The £18m-turnover Leicester-based flexible packaging business has seen continued growth year on year, and has bought a Comexi Pro Slit S2 DT Slitter, an SC3000 Super Combi Nordmeccanica Laminator and the Uteco Crystal flexo printing Press – which is the first one of this particular model in the UK.

The increased capacity will allow the business to further grow turnover, and managing director Shahid Sheikh plans to recruit more staff this year.

Clifton Packaging specialises in manufacturing flexible packaging, packaging machinery and food contract packing.

The business supplies to major fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and many well-known household brands.

It employs 75 people operating from its 70,000sq ft site, and is two years into a heavy five-year investment and expansion programme.

Sheikh said: “As a private business with a flat management structure, we’re very quick to make decisions. We invest in the latest technologies and are always looking at developing new innovations. To be an ambassador for the industry you have to lead from the front.

“In the last two years we have increased our turnover substantially but it has been achieved via controlled growth and strategic partnerships and investments being made. With continued investments in the pipeline our target is to grow our business by 20% year on year.”