Cepac, the UK’s leading independent corrugated packaging producer, has been announced as UK Supplier of the Year to the world’s largest food company, Nestlé.
Regarded as one of the industry’s foremost corrugated manufacturers with a track record of pioneering innovation, Cepac has provided Nestlé UK with over one hundred million corrugated packs in the past three years without a single non-conformance issue.
The award recognises Cepac’s outstanding contribution out of more than 300 of Nestlé UK direct suppliers who supply into the 12 UK Nestlé manufacturing sites and was hailed by Cepac Managing Director Rod Ainslie as “testament to the firm’s tireless quest for innovation and improvement”.
Mr Ainslie said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named Nestlé’s top supplier ahead of such a large field of suppliers. The key to this relationship is our understanding of Nestlé’s desire to create the very best packaging for their products and to set the benchmark for performance throughout the supply chain.
“Cepac was founded at the turn of the millennium to set new standards in corrugated packaging for top brands, and working closely with a world-leader such as Nestlé has allowed us to pioneer many exciting new developments together.
“We’re a business rooted in technology and are constantly looking at how we can help our customers stand out through packaging development and service. We’re very proud to be at the forefront of innovation in our sector and have some exciting developments underway.
“You’re only ever as good as the people who use the technology and we invest a lot in ensuring we have great people in every area of the business. We have technologists working on the development of the most advanced materials, talented printers, operators and dedicated drivers involved in the whole process, making multiple deliveries, seven days a week, without ever dropping the ball – this award is down to the whole team.”
Nestlé is the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company, with brands like Dolce Gusto, Buxton Waters, Kit Kat, Aero, Shreddies, Maggi and many other household brands in the stable.
Cepac has been working with Nestlé on the Dolce Gusto packs since 2007 and delivered in excess of 32 million Dolce Gusto wraparounds in 2015, with no quality issues and 100% On time in full (OTIF), correct quantity, perfect service level.
Emma Canavan, Head of Direct Procurement, Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “The Nestlé Directs Supplier of The Year Award recognises and celebrates the achievements of a supplier that has stood out in 2015, supporting our business by being best in class at delivering the service fundamentals such as VES and quality, as well as being innovative and supporting our Virtuous Circle mindset. With strong support and collaborative relationships at all levels, this supplier has added true value.
“Our winner was Cepac who delivered 32 million packs in 2015, achieving a fantastic 100% VES, with ZERO quality complaints. They have successfully implemented innovation, giving our brands a point of difference versus competition and strengthening the Nestlé brands. Working with the Nestlé teams, understanding our challenges and finding technical solutions they have fuelled the Virtuous Circle, whilst driving improvements in sustainability”.
Cepac was founded over 16 years ago, and has five plants in the UK, at Doncaster, Darlington, Rotherham, Rawcliffe and Alfreton.