Protega Global Ltd, which launched the revolutionary Hexcel Wrap ‘paper bubble wrap’ to market, is investing £1.3million is bringing together its manufacturing and distribution operations under one roof.

The move to the 88,000ft² site in Andover, which includes new offices, extra manufacturing space and a significant uplift in storage capacity, is part of the company’s growth strategy and will result in the creation of new jobs. The additional space enables Protega to produce Hexcel Wrap in-house instead of importing materials from the USA.

Richard Steedman, Protega director, said: “This significant expansion demonstrates our commitment to provide a truly sustainable packaging solution that is entirely UK-sourced. We will also be targeting European markets with Hexcel and aiming to replicate the success of our suite of paper cushion and paper void fill machines on the continent.

“We are excited by the opportunity that this blank canvas gives us to future-proof both our manufacturing and storage facilities. The move from our current site in Salisbury to Andover will benefit customers and will enable us to boost efficiencies and improve the excellent customer experience that we are renowned for.”

Andover was chosen primarily because it was close to the firm’s current site which meant less staff disruption. It also has excellent road links, and a good range of sub-contract engineers to help support the manufacturing side of the business.

In addition, the larger showroom will enable customers to see Protega’s paper machines and dispatch room equipment in action to help them make informed decisions about their future packaging. Sourcing UK manufactured equipment and materials will ease supply chain pressure for customers as well as help minimise their carbon footprint.

Hexcel Wrap ‘paper bubble wrap’, the eco-friendly alternative to plastic bubble wrap, can be effortlessly wrapped around products to offer protection as good as plastic bubble, but without the impact on the environment. This pioneering paper-based packaging can be dispensed anywhere, either from lightweight free-standing dispensers or from an under-the-bench dispenser, both of which have been developed and manufactured in the UK by Protega.