Sandon Global, a specialist engraving and printing technology business, employs 70 full-time staff at its Runcorn base and supplies products to more than 50 countries. Tony McDonough reports
A global exporter in Runcorn has secured £2m in funding to support its expansion and creates new jobs and apprenticeships every year for the next five years.
Sandon Global, a specialist engraving and printing technology business, employs 70 full-time staff at its Runcorn base and supplies products to more than 50 countries around the world.
Now it has secured £2m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s new £500m Strategic Investment Fund in the form of a £250,000 grant and a £1.75m loan. It will aims to create up to 30 jobs and 10 apprenticeships each year for the next five years.
Sandon is acknowledged in the industry as a leading brand in the flexographic market and has received a range of accolades, including national awards for ‘Supplier of the Year’ Gold Award on seven occasions, since 2011. The firm also won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2016.
Chief executive John Millington said: “We are extremely proud of the progress made in recent years. The next chapter in the history of our business is an exciting one.
“With the fantastic support from the Metro Mayor and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Innovative, our strategic partners and, of course, our loyal and dedicated workforce – we are in a good position to realise our true potential in what is a highly-skilled region.”
The business reported a turnover of £6.4m last year and the Combined Authority has made it possible for the printing company to build a purpose-built manufacturing building as well as a new head office. This will include a new research and development facility – all located on the Manor Park Industrial Estate, in Runcorn.
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “Our £500m Strategic Investment Fund enables us to back companies and projects that deliver good-quality jobs for local people.
“It’s absolutely right that we are able to support Sandon Global, one of our leading advanced manufacturing companies. Our investment will enable Sandon to continue to expand and prosper, right here in the Liverpool city region.”
Sandon has established strong educational partnerships with Riverside College in Widnes as well as Liverpool John Moores University. In total, the company, led by chief executive officer, John Millington, has delivered nine apprenticeships since its inception in 2004.