Smurfit Cartons is now re-branded as Fine Colour Witham. It has a 90-strong workforce and a turnover of 12m. Formerly a subsidiary of the Jefferson Smurfit Group, there were plans for a phased closure of the Witham division, due for completion in December this year. This followed the loss of its largest customer, Kodak.

Fine Colour Witham is headed up by director Guy Gisborne (pictured centre), from FCP Nottingham, and sales director Paul Cahill (right). Fine Colour, which has a turnover of 15m, acquired Smurfit Cartons due to increasing demand at its Nottingham facility.

Both plants will operate in sectors including confectionery, perfume, alcoholic beverages, quality foods, DVDs and gifts. Fine Colour Packaging is owned by Jed Gisborne (pictured left) and Jan Ahmed.

"The opportunity to acquire the trade, people, kit and space of Smurfit Cartons has solved our productive strains," said Ahmed.
"They intend to invest and grow the business, which is good news," said Amicus GPMS East of England branch officer Geoff Usher. "We wish them all the best."

Last year Fine Colour Packaging bought Nottingham print firm, Hill & Tyler.

Story by Philip Chadwick