Compack, which was acquired by McLaren Packaging in 2017, is a designer and producer of luxury carton packaging for premium brands in food and drink, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors, has seen considerable growth since its acquisition.

The company has doubled its workforce and quadrupled its turnover from its previously 8,000 sq ft premises in the Houston Industrial Estate. All Compack products are made from 100% recyclable materials, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

The investment has enabled significant upgrades to Compack’s operations, including the purchase and refurbishment of a 66,000 sq ft unit equipped with new plant and cutting-edge print, foil, embossing, and finishing technologies. The facility also includes 1,200 pallet space storage on site.

Backed by grant support from Scottish Enterprise, this investment is expected to create 26 new jobs and secure 59 existing jobs over two years, encompassing both shop floor operators and office-based staff. The updated facility also boasts a 188 kW solar PV installation, an insulated roof for improved energy performance, and heat recovery technology, among other features.

Compack managing director Steve Railton said: “The larger production facility and industry leading machinery gives Compack the capability to better serve the needs and growth aspirations of our key customers responsibly. Our goal is to have the most energy efficient, sustainable facility in the UK.

“Our new facility expands our production capacity significantly, enables us to attract and retain highly skilled staff and create new skilled jobs in Central Scotland for young people.

“It also gives us the ability to manufacture short runs, to short lead times with a short supply chain to local and international companies based in the UK.”

Donald McLaren, McLaren Packaging managing director, added: “The investment in Compack demonstrates the importance of our Livingston operation and our long-term commitment to the future of premium and luxury packaging produced in Scotland.

“We foresee significant opportunity for locally sourced packaging and this expansion will allow us to offer a comprehensive portfolio of eco-conscious packs to the market. There is considerable client interest for this proposition and the venture will enable us to deliver on this opportunity.

“The investment also allows us to vertically integrate by bringing in house our existing material purchasing for conversion in other areas of our business. We are proud to be a wholly independent Scottish manufacturer providing high quality products to both global and local clients.”

Neil Gray MSP said: “I was delighted to be able to visit Compack Cartons’ new facility and see how Scottish Enterprise grant support for the investment will allow the company to expand its operations and workforce, helping us strive toward our ambition of becoming the home of low carbon manufacturing innovation.

“Not only will this project create 26 new skilled jobs, through the company’s sustainable practices, it will help us in our aim to reach net-zero by 2045 and create a wellbeing economy.”

Adrian Gillespie, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, added: “The contribution Scotland’s manufacturing businesses make to the country’s economy is huge.

“Collectively, they employ nearly 200,000 people, are responsible for over half of the country’s international exports, and account for almost half of Scotland’s business expenditure on research and development.

“Scottish Enterprise’s support for this new facility underlines our commitment to Scotland’s manufacturers. By helping companies like Compack invest in innovation, we can drive growth, create jobs, increase productivity, and accelerate decarbonisation plans.”