AST opens in Wrexham

German plastics packagings manufacturer AST Kunststoffverarbeitung has officially opened a new production facility in Wrexham, UK. Operational since the end of last year, the new factory will focus on the production of stackable jerrycans with filling capacities of between 5 litres and 25 litres as well as the 25-litre Square Round model. In addition to being UN-approved for the transport of dangerous goods, these packagings are all produced in accordance with the plant's ISO 9001:2008 accreditation status.

AST previously supplied its UK customers with units from mainland Europe. Thanks to the new plant, these and future customers will now be able to benefit from a shortened supply chain. "This investment underlines AST's continual commitment to the needs of its customers and opens up new opportunities in the region," says AST UK's managing director Paul Devaney. "AST is dedicated to providing safe, reliable and high quality plastics packaging in the markets it serves at the best possible value, in line with the business philosophy of the parent company since its formation."

Founded in 1977, AST also produces plastics drums and commands an annual turnover in excess of €55m. It has also signed a deal with Merseyside-based FDL Packaging, naming FDL as its exclusive UK distributor. "The new relationship with AST represents a major extension to FDL’s already impressive product range [which is] now bolstered by AST’s market-leading offering of high quality containers in high density polyethylene," FDL says.

"From the outset, FDL had recognised a kindred spirit in AST as a company that, over a period of more than 30 years, had mirrored its own success in establishing itself as market leader in the field of plastics packaging in much the same way that FDL had established market leadership with its signature range of fibre drums," it continues. "The relationship itself is destined to be a lasting one, based as it is upon similar histories, philosophies and a strong emphasis on quality, durability and choice. While, in the final analysis, it's fair to say that the addition of AST to the FDL portfolio now provides FDL with an equally strong offering in both the highest quality fibre-based and plastics products in addition, of course, to its comprehensive range of steel drums, bulk containers, corrugated and general packaging."

www.ast-containers.co.uk

www.fdlgroup.co.uk