Work on the extension took place over the last few months in readiness for the installation of a new high speed paper straw machine.

Supplied by Tembo Paper, the new production line was fully operational as of last month. It uses paper spiralling technology, which is said to combine quality and convenience of production with sustainability.

The manufacturing process is designed to ensure each paper straw produced is of the highest quality, while adhesives and other external ingredients are kept to a minimum.

The end product is therefore sustainable, biodegradable, and free from chemicals that may affect taste and safety.

Intrinsic Paper Straws managing director Paul Rigby said: “This initial significant expenditure is part of a multi-million pound investment strategy to transform the group.

“It will fuel further growth as customers increasingly turn to paper straws to replace plastic. There currently isn’t the capacity to cope with demand, so the decision to invest was a straightforward one as it will go a long way to reducing the supply shortfall.

“Before committing to Tembo we did our due diligence on a variety of straw production machines available on the market, but soon realised that the Tembo machine was the standout option for our business.”

The investment comes on the back of four Jinshen Machinery paper straw machines purchased in early 2021 in response to the surge in demand for sustainable alternatives.

Alongside the extra machines, the introduction of new shift patterns and extended operational hours has enabled the company to substantially increase its output.

Separately, as of 1 April, Karl Lee became managing director of Mail Solutions Group’s Envelopes Division. He was previously group sales director. 

Overseeing the strategic direction of the division, Lee will still continue to operate in a sales capacity supported by his sales, marketing, and customer service teams.

He will also work closely with the management teams at Mail Solutions Print and Intrinsic Paper Straws to help progress each business as part of his work.

Alan Griffiths, who will continue as group managing director for Mail Solutions Group, said: “Having worked in the industry for in excess of 20 years, Karl joined Mail Solutions in 2010 when the group acquired Empire Envelopes, who were later merged into Great British Envelopes (Blackburn) in 2012 before soon being rebranded as Mail Solutions.

“To further demonstrate Karl’s commitment to Mail Solutions he relocated his family to Shropshire in 2019 to be closer to the group/division headquarters in Telford.”

The group recorded a turnover of £21.6m in its accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021.