Member Article

RGF supports SONE's growth plans

One of the region’s leading plastics manufacturers has announced it has been successful in securing £250k of Government funding, further supporting the company’s comprehensive strategy for growth.

Stanley based SONE Products Ltd (SONE), the UK’s only high volume supplier to specialise in both the design and manufacture of a range of plastic containers incorporating innovative application and dispensing solutions, has confirmed that it is to benefit from the money distributed under round three of Regional Growth Funding (RGF).

Established in the north east over 30 years ago, SONE has since grown its operational base significantly, extending its original 1,000 sqm facility to its present size of 3,000 sqm.

With an established reputation for delivering high quality, competitively priced products to clients across a range of sectors including beauty and healthcare, SONE continues to implement a cohesive business development and marketing strategy. Part of this strategy focuses on investment in machinery and infrastructure as well as the recruitment of high calibre employees across all levels.

On track with a robust five year plan, SONE sought the funding in order to further develop its manufacturing site in County Durham. This latest injection of cash marks the first stage of a much larger programme of investment, paving the way for SONE to increase the range of products it produces and remain on target to increase its market share within the application and dispensing solutions arena.

Examples of the type of products manufactured by SONE are mascaras, eyeliners and lip-gloss packs for the cosmetics industry. Each unit is produced using both plastic injection and extrusion blow moulding processes. SONE manufactures the main articles with in line decoration and branding, completes the process by assembling the applicators ready for distribution to a global market.

Thanks to the grant, SONE has implemented some infrastructure remodelling to its manufacturing facility and at the same time acquired new injection moulding machinery, taking delivery of a 150 tonne Arburg 520E all electric machine.

This latest success supports the company’s ongoing commitment to the local economy and will lead to much needed job creation. The number of new jobs is likely to be announced at a later date but is thought to be in excess of 10 posts.

Speaking about this current phase of SONE’s development, Chairman and CEO, Raymond Oliver said:

“At a time when companies face a number of difficulties, the risk factors associated with growth are substantial - but in order to grow your business, you must be prepared to consider investment as an option. Access to RGF money is therefore more relevant than ever.

“I am delighted that we have been successful in obtaining this significant grant. One of our key aims is to add real value to our customers’ businesses, while at the same time achieving long-term security for our committed workforce and other stakeholders. Whilst this money has initially supported some capital and infrastructure investment, it lays the foundations for much larger sums of investment and will ensure that we remain on track with our vision and key aims.”

SONE has been supported through this process by Neville Baldry, a partner with Clive Owen Accountants, who added:

“We were delighted to work with SONE to secure this significant level of support from the regional Let’s Grow Programme. The project represents the next exciting stage in the company’s growth and builds upon the success of recent years.

“SONE Products is one of eleven companies we’ve assisted with applications to this particular grant scheme since its launch earlier this year, and it’s encouraging to see so much investment and job creation throughout the region.”

For further information visit www.sone-products.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leigh Chelton .