Leyland Packaging started selling packaging 35 years ago in local premises above a corner shop. Back then John Bates, the founder, delivered orders to his customers across Northamptonshire in person and many of those first customers are still loyal customers today.
“It is wonderful to see the business leading in innovation and growth with my son, Mark, now Managing Director and the team still very much a family. I remember 35 years ago starting the business with my wife producing the invoices on a typewriter and me delivering packaging orders from the back of my car! I am proud of how far the business has come.” John Bates (Founder)
Fast forward to today and Leyland Packaging is now a continually expanding successful business with an ever growing team. Their branded vans are rather different from John’s old Sierra Estate! Even with its growth, Leyland Packaging is still very much a family run business with Mark Bates now leading its continued development.
Mark says, “The industry has seen dramatic change in the last 35 years. From the advent of the internet leading to the creation and exponential growth of ecommerce, to increased, justifiable environmental concerns driving sustainable products and working practices. As a business we have continuously adapted to serve our customers in this ever-changing landscape.
“Some things don’t change though. Our mission is very similar to what it was when the business began. We continue to be a leading independent packaging company, delivering innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for all new and existing businesses. Packaging is an essential part of most businesses, and we can offer a solution to any packaging problem. No product is too large, in fact, we recently supplied packaging for a helicopter ensuring it made it safely to its new location!”
Leyland’s team is the driving force behind its mission to provide a professional and friendly service. Most of the team have been working at Leyland for several years, all having significant amounts of experience in the packaging industry. They continue to use this knowledge to provide customers with the best-fit packaging solutions backed by ongoing support.
Mark concludes, “The last 35 years have been incredible and we look forward to the future as a local independent packaging supplier supporting businesses across Northamptonshire.”