'Linking up made perfect strategic sense': Northern Ireland packaging firm links with Scottish partner to drive growth across UK
The partnership between Co Down’s Hub Packaging and Aberdeen’s Packed Up is expected to support investment, expand product offerings and strengthen customer reach across Scotland and the wider UK
A Northern Ireland family-owned packaging supplier has partnered with an Aberdeen packaging firm in a move designed to drive further expansion in the UK.
The deal between Co Down-headquartered Hub Packaging and Packed Up is aimed at accelerating growth across the UK, while supporting further investment in the Scottish business to strengthen its customer base throughout eastern Scotland and expand its reach nationwide over time.
The partnership brings together two growing businesses in the UK packaging sector, combining expertise, resources and a shared focus on delivering sustainable and tailored packaging solutions for customers.
As part of the agreement, Packed Up will become part of the Hub Packaging Group, giving the Aberdeen company access to a broader product range and enhanced operational support.
Packed Up, led by founders Sean McConochie and Samantha Wright, supplies customers across a range of sectors including engineering, technology, offshore, food and retail. The company is expected to benefit from additional investment aimed at developing new capabilities and expanding its offering.
Despite the partnership, day-to-day operations at Packed Up will remain largely unchanged, with the existing leadership team, staff, facilities and brand all being retained.
The companies said the move will allow both businesses to build on their complementary strengths while enhancing the expertise and support available to clients across the UK market.
Hub Packaging said the agreement marks another step in its wider growth strategy as demand increases for innovative and environmentally focused packaging solutions.
Sean McConochie, managing director at Packed Up, said: “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.”
Andrew Ward, chief executive at Hub Packaging, added: “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 built a reputation among customers and has become recognised as a trusted packaging partner in the Northeast of Scotland. The business currently employs ten staff.
Recently, Hub Packaging announced an ambitious growth plan to reach a turnover of more than £40m in the next five years with the strategic appointment of David Quigley, formerly of Coca-Cola Hellenic, as chief revenue officer to shape and drive the company’s commercial strategy.