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2023 is a very special year for Medica Packaging as 100 years ago our story began. It is also a significant year as it is our 30th Anniversary since the birth of the Medica Packaging brand.
Below is a timeline of our journey and how we have got to where we are today:
At the suggestion of John Beardmore, Peter Turnbull who retired from Medica Packaging in 2006 after 37 years’ service began the research into our past last year by visiting Crewe Library. Unbelievably on his first visit with the help of Local Studies Libarian Kathryn Bate found an amazing discovery in the Kelly's Directory of Cheshire 1923.
110 Victoria Street, Crewe, Cheshire
Managing Director Frank Cottrell Senior became Chairman around the time of the Second World War. Frank Junior, Frank Cottrell Seniors son became chairman in the early 1950's.Wellcome's Crewe Hall Site Director John Bowler also became Chairman in 1985.
The company printed the football clubs match programmes and other marketing material over the years.
The company had previously done work for Calmic and had built a professional relationship.
At this time the company produced general and commercial printing work based at the stable block on the Crewe Hall Estate.
The company wanted to enhance manufacturing space to expand the business.
The printers still ran under the name Frank Cottrell Printers as the Wellcome Foundation also owned two other printers- Clunbury Press and Tabloid Press.
In approximately 1975 Frank Cottrell Junior retired and Terry McCurley (Managing Director of Clunbury Press) became Managing Director and appointed John Beardmore as Sales Manager for both sites.
The Wellcome Foundation closed Clunbury Press, and renamed the Crewe factory as Wellcome Print & Packaging Division appointing John Beardmore as Managing Director. This was a very significant & proud milestone for the company with now being directly associated with such a well thought of organisation.
During the 50's to 70's the company was a jobbing / commercial printers. In 1972 specialised in 50% food and 50% pharmaceutical.
The Ani Colour replaced two older machines and within a week of it being up and running efficiency increased dramatically with the amount of sheets doubling in a week.
Medica invested in a Diana Heidelberg Machine to increase our capabilities and enabling us to undergo more complexed work. Overall increasing opportunities for Medica.
In 2019 the factory had a full refurb including a brand-new PVC overlaid, shock absorbent floor. LED lighting throughout the building (carbon neutral) and a new sprinkler system. Taking the factory to the next level!
The Brausse blanking machine strips all the waste from a sheet which eliminates a process in finishing. Increasing efficiency especially on long runs.
In 2022 Medica Packaging invested in a brand new, state of the art technology Lithrone GX40 Offset Printing Press.
“ I am delighted with our new investment as I truly believe it has taken Medica Packaging to the next level, with its exceptional quality and flexibility the machine can deliver. Ensuring we are improving our quality and lead times more and more.”
Gerard Harford, Managing Director.
In March 2022 Medication Packaging Holdco Ltd, owners of Medica Packaging Ltd, acquired F.G. Curtis plc.
The Curtis business has been operating for over 80 years, and specialises in the manufacture of folding cartons for the cosmetics and beauty markets.
