Hub Packaging, a County Down-headquartered family-owned packaging supplier, has acquired Aberdeen-based firm Packed Up, in a move designed to significantly enhance its expansion across the UK. The deal, which closed in April for an undisclosed sum, brings together two prominent players in the packaging industry, providing a platform for further investment into Packed Up and an enlarged customer base across Eastern Scotland and beyond.
The acquisition is set to combine the complementary strengths and shared values of both businesses, aiming to bolster the support, expertise, and resources available to clients. Joining the Hub Packaging Group will enable Packed Up, led by founders Sean McConochie and Samantha Wright, to offer an expanded product range to its diverse client base, which spans sectors including engineering, technology, offshore, food, and retail.
Investment is planned for new capabilities and to broaden the offering. Despite the change in ownership, day-to-day operations at Packed Up are expected to remain largely unchanged, with the full leadership team, staff, facilities, and brand continuing under the existing structure.
Sean McConochie, Managing Director at Packed Up, expressed his positive outlook on the collaboration, stating: “From the initial discussion with Hub, we were impressed with their commitment to developing relationships with their customers for life. They clearly understand what customers value, then work exceptionally hard to deliver it, time and again. Both businesses share a common value set, and it made all subsequent discussions positive and forward-looking.”
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Andrew Ward, Chief Executive at Hub Packaging, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, commenting: “Linking up with Packed Up made perfect strategic sense. We have been considering a move into Scotland for some time, and now have the opportunity to fully leverage the expertise which exists in the Packed Up team. From day one, we were highly impressed with the team and their commitment, energy and knowledge. We now look forward to continuing to work closely with Sean, Sam and the wider Packed Up team to achieve our ambitious growth plans.”
Founded in 2021, Packed Up has quickly established itself as a trusted packaging partner in the Northeast of Scotland, currently employing ten staff.
This acquisition aligns with Hub Packaging’s broader growth strategy. The Northern Irish firm, established in 1977, recently announced plans to significantly increase its turnover from £20m to over £40m within the next five years, aiming to become a leading packaging provider across the island of Ireland and beyond. Supporting this ambition, Hub Packaging appointed David Quigley, formerly of Coca-Cola Hellenic, as Chief Revenue Officer to spearhead the company’s commercial strategy.
