South Lakeland MP Tim Farron recently visited Cumbria-based manufacturing firm James Cropper PLC to hear about the latest developments at the company and discuss the challenges facing the industry.
Tim met with the CEO and group finance director of the company, and heard how James Cropper PLC continues to grow and develop, taking on more staff and expanding into new areas, in addition to their traditional paper business. Also on the agenda was the need for a British industrial strategy that supports the manufacturing industry, as well as the challenges that are faced post-Brexit.
Tim said: “It was fantastic to visit James Cropper once again and to hear about the exciting developments at the company, particularly as the firm expands into new markets. As the largest private sector employer in our area, the company’s success is good news for all of us.
“James Cropper is a shining example of the best of British manufacturing, complementing their traditional paper business with the latest technology and innovation, and creating skilled local jobs and apprenticeships. As a country, it is vital that we support businesses and develop the skill base required so that other firms can follow James Cropper’s example. I will also continue to push the government to ensure that any post-Brexit deal does not harm the ability of businesses like James Cropper to trade with the EU.”
Phil Wild, CEO at James Cropper, said: “The paper manufacturing industry has seen a lot of changes in recent years, so the need to innovate, develop and improve is more important than ever. Our people sit at the heart of these initiatives.
“Continued investment into research and development in technology, whether that’s in technology, equipment, product development or materials, is crucial for us to maintain and expand our foothold in the industry. We sell our products all over the world to sectors ranging from luxury goods to aerospace. Our customers demand information on the environmental impact and sustainability of our processes and on working practices.This is an increasingly important objective for businesses as they strive to reduce their impact on the environment. In the papermaking arm of the business, our unique coffee-cup reclaimed fibre plant has enabled us to become an unrivalled driving force in eco-friendly innovation in our sector. In our Technical Fibre Products (TFP) business, new products have been introduced to provide super lightweight solutions for aerospace composite bodies; and the newest division 3D Products (3DP), provides sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging using highly engineered, brightly coloured moulded fibres.”
Isabelle Maddock, finance director at James Cropper, adds: “The global market continues to be essential for growth and development, with about 50 per cent of our products being exported. Post-Brexit, there is some concern about how it will affect industry in the UK. Britain offers a huge pool of knowledge and skills supporting innovation, therefore we would strongly oppose the introduction of tariffs as they restrict trade and ultimately have a detrimental effect on innovation, which is driven by the reinvestment of profits. That said, our global business model has proven to be robust and the group is well placed to face the challenges of Brexit.”
About James Cropper
James Cropper are prestige paper innovators based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers. Celebrating 170 years of high quality paper production in 2015, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour, dedicated responses to the most challenging custom projects and award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.
A network of global sales and production facilities from Europe to the Far East provides local customer service to international clients, while its historic base in the village of Burneside retains nearly two centuries worth of papermaking expertise.
About James Cropper 3D Products
James Cropper 3D Products answers a global demand for sustainable packaging with the next generation of moulded paper packaging. Available in a wide variety of colours and with a naturally tactile finish, the product is design-engineered and has a clear focus on quality. Features to improve product value and packaging integrity, such as personal embossing, natural hinges and cut-outs, enhance brand impact. 3D Products are made from 100 per cent renewable natural fibres and are recyclable with paper.
About Technical Fibre Products (TFP)
As well as paper products, James Cropper plc also incorporates Technical Fibre Products (TFP),manufacturers of non-woven materials from carbon, glass and polymer fibres, which play a key part in production of composites in the automotive, energy and aerospace sectors.
For further information visit: www.jamescropper.com www.jc3dp.com and www.tfpglobal.com.