Autopack, a leading independent integrator of packaging lines, has marked a tenfold growth in turnover over the last five years – and is targeting ambitious plans for even further growth.

Turnover at the Hereford-based business is forecast to hit £12 million this year, with Autopack already £1.5 million ahead of its sales targets in the first quarter of 2025. In 2020, the company’s size was £1.2m with a workforce of five. The team has now grown to 25 and sees Autopack as the leading independent supplier of packaging and processing machinery to the food, drink, chemical, cleaning and personal care sectors.

The business’ footprint in Hereford has also grown significantly over the last five years and continues with the implementation of an additional unit coming on stream this month.

“Our success is based on meeting the needs of our customers, whether they are blue chip or SMEs,” said Autopack Managing Director Wayne Kedward. “The growth of our business over the last five years reflects that. Innovation comes through our collective experience and expertise, and while this strategy has been successful for our own business, our customers have also grown through automating their manufacturing process.”

Autopack is aiming to build on its expansion through a program of organic growth and acquisitions. The company has mapped out a strategy to acquire businesses that builds on its recent M&A activity. In 2020, it bought Spanish flexible packaging equipment specialists Postpack. This was followed by the addition of Gainsborough-based engineering business Technosys in 2023.

“We are actively building a pipeline of acquisitions to maintain our momentum and deliver even more value to our customers,” added Wayne Kedward. “The addition of new businesses to Autopack enhances our knowledge base and expertise, as well as reaching out into new markets.”

The 25-strong workforce is also set to grow and is being bolstered by Autopack’s commitment to training and apprenticeships. “Investing in apprentices and career development creates opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Wayne. “Autopack can share knowledge across generations of experts and build a diverse, inclusive and supportive culture.”

Wayne added: “Our team is clear in its aims: to deliver exceptional processing and packaging line solutions though our independence, best in class manufacturing partners and technical expertise. We are delighted with how the last 5 years have progressed and will move forwards together with our growing customer base.”