Acquisition sees the two businesses expand their product range and distribution channels

Produce Packaging has acquired Worcester-based Innavisions Limited as it expands its offer across the food industry.

Produce Packaging is the packaging division of H.L. Hutchinson, and the combined businesses will have a customer base of 480 and nearly 50 full-time staff.

The agreement will see Produce Packaging expand its regional presence and the breadth of services both businesses can offer to new and existing clients. The businesses will continue to operate independently, they explained, but both will have access to new markets and be able to offer a wider product range and enhanced distribution channels.

Innavisions was founded in 2000 by Paul Bagnall and Nick Wild. The business specialises in injection moulded and thermoformed packaging for the food manufacturing industry, and is partnered with a number of leading European packaging manufacturers.

Produce Packaging, which has sites in Kent, Lincolnshire, Herefordshire and Angus, specialises in working with fresh foods and said that the acquisition will expand its footprint in the food manufacturer sector.

Mark Tierney, managing director of Produce Packaging, said: “We have seen strong growth in the Produce Packaging business and the acquisition of Innavisions will enable us to continue to expand geographically and into new markets, providing Produce Packaging’s customers with access to new product ranges.

“There will also be significant benefits for the Innavisions business as their operations will have access to our established distribution network. The businesses will continue to operate separately but with the benefit of having access to a wealth of pooled resources.

“Innavisions and Produce Packaging have a track record of innovation in the packaging sector and it is a natural fit for the future of our businesses.”

Paul Bagnall, former shareholder and managing director of Innavisions, will remain with the business as an adviser. Nick Wild, sales and marketing director, will also remain with the business, as will the wider Innavisions team.