Sunhope Packaging Machinery chooses Fife to run UK operations
16 Aug 2023 • 4 minute read
Learn why the Chinese company found a Glenrothes site to be the perfect base for its new product demo and training facility.
Sunhope Packaging Machinery (ZHENJIANG) Co, Ltd — the world-leading provider of innovative packaging solutions — is establishing a new UK division called Sunhope Packaging Machinery (UK) Ltd in Glenrothes.
With its core team based in Zhenjiang City, in the Jiangsu province of China, Sunhope has been involved in the manufacture of machinery for more than 30 years. Recently, with a growing global demand for a return to paper bags, the business has expanded to be the leading manufacturer of paper bag machines and ancillary equipment for the packaging industry in China, with a strong market in south Asia as well.
After considering potential sites in France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, Sunhope chose to establish a factory in the UK. The company collaborated with Scottish Development International (SDI) and InvestFife to identify and acquire an ideal site at Southfield Industrial Estate in Glenrothes.
“Our inward investment specialists in China have established a productive relationship with Sunhope and were able to highlight why Scotland was an ideal location for its European technology support centre," said Mark Hallan, Director of Global Investment at Scottish Enterprise. "We’ve since been pleased to work with our partners at InvestFife to help the company locate premises in Glenrothes for this innovative project."
A prime location with green business potential
The Glenrothes site was selected due to its proximity to existing Sunhope customers and its easy access to major road networks in Central Scotland and Edinburgh Airport – ideal for receiving international customers.
The site will be fully refurbished – mostly by local Fife businesses – to serve as a modern facility and demonstration hub, showcasing Sunhope machines to potential customers from the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond. The new factory will also serve as a training hub, offering comprehensive training packages for customers’ personnel. Additionally, the factory will showcase production processes and demonstrate Sunhope machines in action.
Sunhope has very strong ambitions to be a green business and has been successful in obtaining grant funding through Business Gateway Fife to help them build a green and sustainable business there . As well as net zero grants, the business has benefitted from specialist business advice from Business Gateway Fife and Scottish Enterprise.
“As a business our parent company has invested significantly in this project, so having the support, help and advice offered through SDI, Invest Fife, and Business Gateway Fife has been paramount to ensure the success of the investment in Fife, Scotland," Lindsay added.
Factory development and recruitment under way
With the full refurbishment and modernisation of the new factory at Southfield Industrial Estate nearly complete, Sunhope is keen to begin phase two, which will see the factory equipped with machinery and equipment arriving from China in the next few months.
Recruitment efforts to build a highly skilled production team, specifically machine technicians, will be initiated. This team will play a crucial role in carrying out installations, servicing, and provide additional training not only locally but also globally. Their expertise will enable Sunhope to offer comprehensive support to customers worldwide.
In addition to the production capabilities, Sunhope is planning to provide a sourcing service for customers who require assistance in sourcing suitable raw materials. This service will help streamline the supply chain and ensure that customers have access to high-quality materials for their specific needs.
“The support and assistance provided by InvestFife, Business Gateway Fife and our partners SDI and Scottish Enterprise, demonstrates our commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and facilitating the growth of our companies, and our strength in attracting new business to the region," added Councillor Altany Craik of Fife Council.
"Moving forward, our expert teams will continue to provide assistance and support to Sunhope Packaging as the company establishes its presence in Fife. On behalf of Fife Council, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Sunhope Packaging Machinery (UK) Ltd, and I look forward to seeing the business grow and develop right here in Fife. The company's arrival will make a positive impact on the local economy and the local job market."
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