WERiT, a prominent manufacturer of plastic packaging solutions, has marked a significant milestone with the expansion of its production site in Irlam, Greater Manchester. The £8 million investment has not only enhanced the company’s manufacturing capabilities but also reinforced its commitment to sustainable growth and regional economic development.
The upgraded facilities were officially opened by Mrs Sandra Morrison, Honorary Consul Manchester, German Missions in the UK, alongside WERiT’s managing director Sunny Prakash, Group managing partner Joerg Schneider, and MIDAS business development director David Hilton.
The expansion includes a 3,000m
2 warehouse extension and a new two-storey office complex spanning 860m
2, increasing the total site footprint by 40% to over 10,000
2. Central to the upgrade is the installation of a MAGIC all-electric multi-layer blow-moulding machine, complemented by new moulds for five-litre and 10-litre canisters and automated packing and palletising systems. These additions are designed to boost production efficiency, reduce manual handling, and meet growing demand across the food and beverage, chemical, and petrochemical sectors. WERiT’s customer base includes well-known names such as KTC Edibles, Regus Sugar, Kerry Ingredients, GreenChem, Tetrosyl, and Autosmart.
The investment has already led to the creation of nine new jobs, increasing the workforce from 50 to 59, with further recruitment planned. The company’s long-term sustainability strategy is evident in its adoption of solar panels, electric forklifts, electric-vehicle (EV) charging points, and a goal to become a paperless operation by 2028. These initiatives reflect WERiT’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility and operational innovation.
WERiT’s ties to local institutions, including Salford University and the Greater Manchester Growth Hub, underscore its dedication to skills development and regional collaboration. The expansion was funded internally by the WERiT Group, demonstrating a strategic approach to growth that avoids reliance on external investors.
Speaking at the inauguration, Sunny Prakash described the expansion as a pivotal moment in the company’s journey since establishing its UK base in 2003. He emphasised that the project represents more than just infrastructure — it is about delivering long-term value to customers, employees, and the wider community. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett praised the investment as a testament to the region’s attractiveness for advanced manufacturing, while David Hilton of MIDAS highlighted WERiT’s role in driving sustainable innovation and creating pathways into skilled employment.
The Irlam site expansion is already yielding tangible benefits, reinforcing WERiT’s position as a key player in Greater Manchester’s manufacturing landscape and setting a benchmark for sustainable industrial development.