13/11/2009

LPC Group plc (LPC) are planning to develop a second UK paper mill, close to its base, in Leicester that will create 100 new jobs. This move will help the company to strengthen its position as the leading supplier of private label tissue products in the UK and take UK capacity up 135,000 tonnes per year.

By building the new mill close to their other processing plants the company will reduce their carbon footprint by producing more paper locally and minimising road transport between the processing centres.

Salim Tejani, LPC Group Project Director says “currently the UK is a net importer of paper and as a group we remain a large buyer. Building an additional paper mill near to our other plants in Leicester ensures we can import less paper into the UK, reduce our carbon footprint and continue the drive to further improve service to our customers”.

The expansion of the company’s operation is not just limited to their Leicester base. With investment planned in their European operations in Duffel (Belgium) and Roanne (France) the company also expect to create new jobs at these sites.

Upgrading the Roanne site is planned early in the New Year while the company are aiming to begin construction of the new UK site in the second half of next year, subject to the necessary planning approvals.

The continued expansion of the LPC Group follows on from their strategic investment progamme that has led to record sales of £230 million for the latest trading year. With this continued investment in facilities, systems and people the company are targeting annual sales in excess of £300 million.

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