With its core team based in Zhenjiang City, which is in the Jiangsu Province of China, Sunhope has been involved in the manufacture of machinery for over thirty years. 

In recent times, with a growing demand globally for a return to paper bags, the business has grown as a manufacturer of paper bag machines and ancillary equipment for the packaging industry in China, and has carved a significant niche in the South Asian market.

After exploring various European locations, Sunhope zeroed in on Glenrothes for its strategic proximity to existing clients, ease of access to Scotland’s prime road networks and Edinburgh Airport. This UK facility will function as a training and demonstration hub, presenting Sunhope machines’ capabilities to prospective clients spanning the UK, Europe, North America, and more.

The establishment was made possible through collaboration with Scottish Development International (SDI), InvestFife, and the acquisition of a site at Southfield Industrial Estate. This venue is undergoing a significant revamp, primarily undertaken by local Fife enterprises, to showcase Sunhope’s state-of-the-art machinery.

Sunhope has strong ambitions to be a green business and has been successful in obtaining net zero grant funding to assist them with building a green and sustainable business in Fife through Business Gateway Fife. As well as net zero grants the business has benefitted from specialist business advice from Business Gateway Fife and Scottish Enterprise.

Andy Lindsay, managing director at Sunhope Packaging Machinery (UK) Ltd said: “Sunhope Packaging Machinery (UK) Ltd are grateful for the initial and continued support we have received whilst going through the process of setting up the new business, both from the SDI China team, as well as the Scottish based teams.

“We have been able to secure grants and funding for various projects, alongside practical support in assisting with accountancy and IT assistance. During these financially challenging times, all help and advice is invaluable.”

Mr Lindsay continued: “As a business our parent company has invested significantly in this project, so having the support, help and advice offered through SDI, Invest Fife, and Business Gateway Fife has been paramount to ensure the success of the investment in Fife, Scotland.”

Commenting from Fife Council, councillor Altany Craik said: “The support and assistance provided by InvestFife, Business Gateway Fife and our partners SDI and Scottish Enterprise, demonstrates our commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and facilitating the growth of our companies, and our strength in attracting new business to the region.

“Moving forward our expert teams will continue to provide assistance and support to Sunhope Packaging as they establish their presence in Fife.

“On behalf of Fife Council, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Sunhope Packaging Machinery (UK) Ltd, and I look forward to seeing the business grow and develop right here in Fife. Their arrival will make a positive impact on the local economy and the local job market.”

Mark Hallan, director of global investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Sunhope Packaging’s decision to invest in Scotland is great news for the country’s economy and the local workforce in Fife.

“Our inward investment specialists in China have established a productive relationship with Sunhope and were able to highlight why Scotland was an ideal location for its European technology support centre. We’ve since been pleased to work with our partners at InvestFife to help the company locate premises in Glenrothes for this innovative project.

“As a result of our skilled workforce and supportive business environment, Scotland continues to attract ambitious international companies that are looking to grow globally. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Sunhope as the company develops its presence in Scotland.”

As the modernisation of the Southfield Industrial Estate facility nears completion, Sunhope is eager to progress to the next phase, which involves equipping the site with machinery arriving from China in the next few months. Concurrently, recruitment for a skilled production team is underway. This team will bolster Sunhope’s global servicing, installations, and training endeavours.

In addition to the production capabilities, Sunhope is planning to provide a sourcing service for customers who require assistance in sourcing suitable raw materials. This service will help streamline the supply chain and ensure that customers have access to high-quality materials for their specific needs.