Family packaging firm hits record sales

A Leeds-based family business is celebrating a milestone with record-breaking sales.

LVF Packaging, which turns over £8 million annually, has recorded more than £1 million in turnover in a single month for the first time, marking its 40th anniversary in style.

Founded in 1985 in a garden shed by Harry Coates and his son Nigel, the business began with a small vacuum forming machine, initially supplying Leeds-based games company John Waddington’s. 

Today, the firm, which manufactures modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and skin pack trays for protein suppliers, confectionery, beverages and retail gift packs, is run by Nigel’s son Daniel, with products available in virtually every major UK supermarket and numerous high street retailers.

Employing 46 staff and operating six high-volume production lines, LVF supplies a wide range of clients including major supermarket chains such as Morrisons, premium confectionery brands including Lindt and specialist producers such as Border Biscuits.

Daniel said: “I wasn’t even born when my dad and grandad decided to build that first ever thermoforming machine in the garden shed. 

“But I love that they decided it was a good idea, went ahead, did it and then somehow persuaded John Waddington’s to award them the production of its board game plastic trays. 

“I definitely couldn’t see that happening today.

“To be at the helm of the business as we celebrate our 40th anniversary is a source of great pride for both me and my dad. 

“Even more so when you consider that the business built by my grandad and him still remains faithful to its initial aims of delivering exceptional thermoformed solutions with a real focus on the kind of excellent customer service we would always hope to receive from businesses we work with.”

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