Capacity Expansion and New MD as Futamura Celebrates Five Year Anniversary

Futamura UK, Wigton, has announced investment plans for an additional casting machine to expand capacity in their thriving cellulose films business. The investment plans come as Futamura celebrates its five-year anniversary since acquiring the cellulose films business in July 2016.

Futamura has enjoyed year-on-year sales growth, due to rising demand for their renewable and compostable NatureFlex films. Andy Sweetman, Sales & Marketing Director EMEA said; “consumer demand for sustainable packaging has driven a steady increase in sales for us. As the market demand grows, so are we. The new casting machine will allow us to better serve our customers by reducing lead-times and increasing overall capacity.” The machine build will commence in Q3.

At the successful close of their first five-year plan, Futamura looks ahead to the next five years with the appointment of Adrian Cave as Managing Director, from 1st July 2021. Adrian is currently Finance Director for Futamura EMEA, and takes the reins from exiting Managing Director, Graeme Coulthard, who begins his retirement at the end of June. Adrian said, “It is an honour to have been appointed Managing Director and I will be proud to lead an experienced, passionate and dedicated Futamura UK and Europe team. I would like to thank Graeme for all that he has done for the company, he leaves behind a strong legacy. The growth we have seen over the past five years is set to continue and we look forward to further investments in equipment, as well as advancing our exciting R&D projects.”