A period of steady growth has driven one of Europe’s longest-standing suppliers of glass and plastic containers to relocate its UK headquarters in Manchester to a modern new unit more than double the size of its previous home.

Pont Packaging’s brand new development, on Steuber Drive in Irlam has a warehouse space of 42,000 sq. feet, dwarfing that of its 19,000 sq. foot. predecessor in Trafford Park, where the company spent 15 years.

The new space can accommodate 3,650 pallets – over 2,000 more than before – and with two level access doors and four loading docks, the whole logistical operation is both safer and more efficient with a faster turnaround for waiting vehicles.

Situated just off the A57, the new location has excellent links to both the M60 and M6, with a bigger yard that provides more flexibility for loading and unloading, as well as better parking facilities.

Michael Watson, Chief Executive at Pont Europe said: “The timing was right for a move to larger premises, to cope with our expanding business and to keep service levels at a high standard particularly for our stock holding contracts. They’re based on reliability and flexible deliveries and we now have the room to grow them further.”

Pont has had particular successes in the sports nutrition and beverage sectors in recent years, especially with the growth of artisan producers in the UK. Their expertise in bespoke and personalised bottles proving popular within this market.

The move follows a 45% increase in Pont Packaging’s turnover since 2015 with sales for 2020 projected to continue the trend, despite the numerous challenges of Covid-19.

Watson added: “We’ve been extremely busy during the UK lockdown as we supply containers into the vitamin and supplement sectors. Our warehouse staff have been incredible just to get the huge number of orders out of the door. We’ve had staff working from home wherever possible and implemented an A/B team rota system for the depot.”

The new Salford warehouse is one of three Pont Packaging depots across the UK, with the other two in Glasgow and Gillingham.

Pont Packaging Ltd is part of the Pont Europe Group, with 14 sales offices and warehouses, and 140 staff across Europe. The company was founded in 1906, as a supplier of glass containers.