The new team, finalised in September 2023, has finished the transition started under its previous ownership at the Leyland, Lancashire firm, with a £300,000 factory revamp completed at the same time.
Jerry Corcoran, appointed managing director in 2022, has been joined by Andy Tranter, sales and marketing director; Sarah Bevan, finance manager; and Lynda Cookson has been promoted to production director.
Taking delivery of a Heidelberg Speedmaster 74 for small-format packaging from London sister company Printstore in mid-January 2024, the firm has now integrated fully into its group structure, with it able to fulfil orders across the country.
Corcoran told Printweek: “We’ve got some interesting things to try out in the year ahead – we’ve got something unique.
“I don’t believe anyone else has got [the same mix of] digital, B1, B2 and size 6 – I think there will be companies out there who would be really interested in it. Think vaping companies, who do very small volume, but then do standard outers in large volume that we could do on our [Koenig & Bauer Rapida 142] size 6 press.
“We can cover the whole spectrum, from a tent salesman’s samples, to a small promotion, through to ramp-up and large volume production. Those are the customers that we’re aiming at.”
Affinity’s factory investment at its Leyland plant has likewise helped clean up operations and ready the firm for the future.
Corcoran said: “If I’m honest with you, we weren’t pretty – so now we have a new reception, new factory floor – we’ve spent a lot in and around the factory.
“We’ve already got the BRCGS AA grade, and we work hard to keep that.”
The firm produces a wide range of packaging, with one growing segment being Delipac fibreboard cups and products, used to replace PE and other plastic-lined packaging.
“There are cups, trays and sandwich packs that we’re hoping to target with our large-format press.
“It’s been a big learning curve, because it’s not the easiest material to convert – but we’ve come to grips with it now, and work very closely with Delipac for opportunities there,” he said.
Affinity employs around 60 of 70 staff in the group, turning over just under £9.5m last year.
