Best of UK manufacturing showcased to Ed Balls at Rexam’s Wakefield plant

Morley and Outwood MP Ed Balls was given an insight into the global reach of local manufacturers Rexam, a leading consumer packaging company, on a recent visit to their beverage can plant on the Wakefield 41 industrial park.

The MP was given an insight into plant performance and the can making process as well as the sustainable role metal packaging plays in modern day lives.

Michael Waite, Wakefield plant manager, commented: “It was great to meet Ed Balls and to be given the opportunity to showcase our plant and our manufacturing skills. We are very proud of what we do here. Ed was keen to learn about Rexam’s development and about the beverage can, particularly the fact that the can is 100% recyclable. He agreed that the UK packaging industry is an important one for both the future of the manufacturing industry and the UK as a whole.”

The visit included a tour of the high speed, high precision can making process from a rolled sheet of aluminium, to the finished can, complete with brand design and any chosen innovations. During the tour he took the opportunity to meet employees on the shop floor, learning more about the process and their important roles in the manufacturing process.

Ed Balls MP said: “Given that the drinks can is one of the most recycled products in the world, Rexam are a company who are always keen to become greener and to reduce their environmental impact. The company must meet tough environmental standards - this is good news, especially considering the huge volumes of cans produced, around a staggering 2 billion a year - and all made in Wakefield.

“The company has really gone from strength to strength, but what took me aback was when I was told that 40% of the workforce has been there since it opened in 1989 - that's loyalty!”