Tag: news
Cardboard Box Company is a multi-dimensional designer and manufacturer of corrugated packaging solutions.
Many of our products require little, no, or simplistic print specifications, however we are also print specialists with a wide variety of printing capabilities to suit most requirements, volumes and finishes.
The three types of printing that we offer are:
Flexographic – widely recognised as the simplest printing method
Digital – perfect for low volume production runs and creating prototype samples
Litho-lamination – particularly suited to high volume work, it’s a manufacturing method that provides the highest quality of finish and print to corrugated board
All offer very different capabilities and benefits and most importantly, different visual experiences for your customers, and it is the latter that can make all the difference to your packaging, your customers experience and the visibility of your brand.
Our team of graphic and constructional designers work together to bring your brand to life. Perhaps you have a logo and brand guidelines but don’t really know how this can translate into a comprehensive range of packaging. From point of sale to transit, and from luxury gift packaging to global supply chain solutions our team can create a truly bespoke range of packaging solutions to suit all your operational requirements.
Similarly, if you have an existing range of packaging but want to explore how we could perhaps do things differently, we can work with existing graphics and artwork to either print, just as required, or make pertinent suggestions to elevate your print quality and brand visibilty.
Daniel Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company commented; “ Print can make such a difference to a wide variety of packaging, and our industry experts are well placed to offer experienced and respected advice to ensure our customers maximise the benefits of print for their packaging.
“Whether its simple on pack instructions or product information or a statement graphic that will make a product stand out in a vast retail situation, amazing print can truly be a secret weapon, imparting important information in warehouses and to customers, or inviting enhanced retail sales due to product visibility and brand credibility.”
To speak to our dedicated graphic team contact us on 01254 232223 or email info@thecardboardbox.co.uk
Towards the end of last year, we commissioned the latest investment in our printing capabilities – a Fujifilm Acuity Prime L, LED UV flatbed printer.
Ideally suited to high quality, smaller volume print jobs, it brought an added capability to our portfolio, addressing a need in the marketplace, and for our customers.
A four-colour digital process with varnish option, it is perfect for creating high quality packaging that requires a superior print finish.
“After a soft launch, where we tested several different print runs to understand exactly what it could deliver, we have seen customers, both new and existing benefit from this new machine,” said Dan Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “It complements other machines across the Logson Group and gives us a diverse range of print capabilities to suit a wide variety of demands across the corrugated sector.”
Great success has already been achieved for high quality gift packaging and free standing display units (FSDUs) for customers in sectors such as online retail or FMCG manufacturers supplying into the major supermarkets.
“We’ve undertaken some superb local projects on this machine that we would have been unable to support previously,” said Dan. “For us it’s all about continued investment, ensuring we fulfil the demands of our customers, and having a range of services and capabilities that suits customers of the corrugated sector, and in particular the Cardboard Box Company.”
The new printer is housed in a bespoke printing room with views over the main production floor.
It offers different finishes, an option to print on white board and print sizes up to 3.2m x 2m.
Two of our team celebrate 25 years’ service each with the business this year.
Chris McNaul joined the team at 16 years old and is one of our most experienced operators with an enviable knowledge of most machines in the factory.
Typically found operating our 4-colour slotter diecutter, Chris is also experienced in operating and troubleshooting on a range of other printers and machinery.
Away from work Chris is a big football and Manchester United fan and an enthusiastic golfer.
Paul Mason, one of our lead operators, is usually found operating a flat bed die cutter within our machinery portfolio, and has experience across a range of machines.
Away from work, Paul can be found at the side of various fishing lakes across the region.
In addition, both Chris and Paul have forklift truck licences bring even more capabilities to their skill sets.
Nick Lee, Operations Director, Cardboard Box Company commented; “People do really make a difference to the success of the business and the knowledge and experience that Chris and Paul have respectively is a great asset to our team.
“25 years is an amazing achievement, and we look forward to having them in our team for many more years to come.”
National Apprenticeship Week takes place from 5th until 11th February and this year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’.
Taking place for the 17th year, the weeklong campaign celebrates the positive impact apprentices, at all levels and age, have on business and the wider economy.
“We are proud to have two apprentices at Cardboard Box Company that are at very different stages of their careers, however, both are reaping the benefits of this workplace-based learning opportunity,” said Dan Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “Apprenticeships enable those starting out, or those looking to change direction, a scenario where they can learn and earn – perfect for those who either need, or want to work, whilst they develop their chosen career path.
Laiten Scholes, 17, joined the team last summer after completing a two-week placement from Blackburn College as part of his college course. He is doing an engineering apprenticeship and is supported through Training 2000.
Jim Meikleham, 56, has been with the business since 2005 working as a production operative. However, a desire to become an engineer, saw him move to the engineering department last year where he is now undertaking an Electrical Maintenance Course which will give him a formal qualification and consolidate the skills he already has.
Dan concluded; “We wish Laiten and Jim ongoing success with their respective apprenticeships and hope that they continue to reap the benefits that apprenticeships have brought for them.
“We hope to expand the number of apprentices we have in the coming year, as we identify opportunities that will add value to the business and give people from our local community work and training options.”
To find out more about National Apprenticeship Week and how apprenticeships could benefit your business visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week
The team at CBC is what sets us apart from other businesses.
We’re proud to employ lots of local people, many who have been with us for several years, if not decades.
One of those is our Managing Director, Dan Johnston.
Dan assumed the role of MD last year but joined the business in September 2003 as a cost estimator. Since then, he has worked as Office Manager, Sales Manager, Commercial Manager and Commercial Director before his last promotion.
“I’d never planned to work in corrugated, and I accepted the job on a night out after my friends Dad offer me a post. I’d finished Uni and didn’t know what to do so it seemed sensible. Clearly it was the right thing to do!” said Dan. “As with most small businesses, you had to get your hands dirty but that meant that you were involved in all roles across the business at some point, giving you a great learning experience about every part of the company.”
Dan now has overall responsibility for the business and the team and is proud to be leading Cardboard Box Company into the next chapter of its history.
Already renowned for its capabilities, quality products, and customer service Dan has plenty of plans for the future to capitalise on its successes to date.
“Seeing others develop in the business is probably one of the highlights of my role and I encourage this through open communication, empowering others, and compassion,” said Dan. “It’s a great place to work at, and a fab team to be part of.”
Just for fun…
• If you didn’t work in cardboard, what would you do?
I’d be a Premier League groundsman. I’ve got a thing for stripey grass!
• Tell us a fact that we might not know?
I was born on Christmas Day
• What you like to do outside of work?
With 2 young kids under the age of six, it’s all about family at the moment. Once they’ve done the usual weekend of rugby, dance, football and swimming, there’s not much time left for me and my wife. Eating out and watching live sport are two hobbies that we are slowly getting to do more of.
Just over a year ago the management team at Cardboard Box Company began to look at ways to invest in the mental health and wellbeing of its team members.
It wasn’t long until Six Connections and its ‘Powered by Mates’ initiative was discovered, and it was decided that Dave and his team would be perfect to get the team talking.
“It was important that what Six Connections were doing would sit authentically in our northern factory and that it would normalise the conversation about mental health both inside and outside of the workplace,” said Dan Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “It’s been amazing to hear some of the feedback our team has given, and that it has equipped them to support other team members who may have problems, need professional help or simply need to talk to someone impartial.”
The relaxed, informal sessions encouraged lots of interaction between the team.
“It’s important that this approach to open and honest communication, and the support network we provide to the team becomes ingrained in the business,” said Dan. My thanks to Dave and his team for their professional, open approach which really resonated with our team.”
For further information or to work with Six Connections visit https://www.sixconnections.co.uk/
To view the video please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyAj5Rg-Tkw
We have been proud supporters of Active Lancashire for some time now and we were delighted to sponsor an award at its recent annual awards.
Recognising the achievements of Lancashire people in their health and community activities we were delighted to sponsor the Young Achiever of the Year category.
The event was attended by Dan Johnston, Managing Director who presented Oliwia Kaczmarek from Burnley with a Highly Commended award and Erin Devine, from Wyre as the Winner.
“This is a superb event that recognises the efforts of people in the heart of our community,” said Dan. “My warmest congratulations go to Oliwia and Erin, and all other winners and finalists for the work they do in making Lancashire such a great place.”
The glittering awards night took place at Ewood Park and was attended by over 300 people from across the county. The event – previously named the Lancashire Sports Awards – celebrated the hard-work and dedication displayed by the nominees towards local health, inclusion, community cohesion and sporting achievements.
There were over 100 nominees in the running to win an award across nine categories. Alongside the nine winners, judges decided to award seven other nominees with Highly Commended runner-up trophies due to the high calibre of nominees.
To find our more about Active Lancashire visit About us | Active Lancashire
At an unannounced BRC audit recently, the team received the highest BRC accreditation possible – AA+.
Visitors from the accreditation body for BRCGS called to do a full inspection and were delighted with the standards and procedures kept by the Cardboard Box team.
“Grading is achieved through a rigorous certification process and achieving the grade of AA+ BRCGS is a fantastic accomplishment by the entire team,” said Dan Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “Having the highest accreditation, particular when it was unannounced, gives assurance to our customers that we operate at the highest standards, always.”
BRCGS is a globally recognised accreditation body that evaluates company practices and procedures to ensure they are operating at the required standards across all elements of the business including health and safety and legal requirements.
Customers also benefit from knowing that products are manufactured consistently to the highest standards of quality and safety. Furthermore, the team constantly strive to be the best in its field bringing confidence to the supply chain and beyond.
Dan concluded; “Achieving this grade means that no more than 5 minor non-conformance were given at the audit.
“My thanks go to the team for their unswerving commitment to the process and ensuring Cardboard Box Company remains well respected in our field.”
BRCGS certification is used in over 130 countries across the globe and sets the benchmark for good manufacturing processes.
Ken Shackleton, who has been our Managing Director and part of the business for over 40 years, called time on a decades long career in the industry.
Ken began his career at Chapman Containers, as it was known then, as a Forklift Truck Driver and the rest, as they say, is history.
Under six different owners, and latterly the Logson Group, Ken transformed the business evolving with, and integrating the latest technologies into our state-of-the-art operations to establish it as leading in its market sector.
Other career accolades include holding the role of Vice Chair of the Sheet Plant Association (SPA) which he has occupied for almost 15 years.
Ken is succeeded by Daniel Johnston who assumes the role of Managing Director. Dan has been with the business for over 20 years and has been MD designate since the beginning of 2023.
David Richardson, CEO, Logson Group commented; “It has been a pleasure working with Ken over the last year or so, and to have known of the high regard he has been held in within the industry prior to that.
“The positive impact he has had on the industry, the people who work within it, and the team at Cardboard Box Company should not be underestimated. He takes with him our best wishes for a very Happy Retirement and our congratulations on such an amazing career in our industry.”
Dan Johnston added; “Ken has been an all-round great person to know, and to work with, and we will miss seeing his smiling face around the business every day.
“We have an amazing team here, and superb production facilities, and I am proud be handed the reins to take the business into the next part of its story.”
FIVE STEPS TO SAFER WORKING
The Cardboard Box Company confirm we comply with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19
