Swift, an experienced print and packaging expert, joined the North Tyneside-based company in the newly created role last month. His most recent previous role was as business development manager at Celloglas, where he worked for over seven years.

Swift has more than 25 years experience in packaging creation, with particular knowledge about the high-end drinks and quality spirits market, retail, cosmetics and confectionery.

His new role will include working with both existing and new customers to identify packaging opportunities for the business. The role has been developed to help the firm become better known for its packaging offering at its North Tyneside headquarters and to raise awareness of its specialist packaging printing facilities in Cumbernauld, Glasgow.

Elanders UK managing director Kevin Rogers said: “Matt’s appointment comes at an ideal time for Elanders which is currently expanding after a strong 2014, specifically in packaging and digital print.

“He brings expert industry knowledge and will enable us to extend the breadth of services we are able to offer our clients while ensuring we maintain our excellent customer service delivery reputation.”

Elanders UK is part of Elanders Group, which has operations in 15 countries on four continents. It recently announced 2014 as its strongest year ever, reaching a record turnover of more than £20m.

“Our approach to business is to act as a strategic partner for customers; helping to optimise and develop the processes critical to their businesses through our core areas of supply chain, print and packaging and e-commerce,” said Rogers.

“2014 was a record year for Elanders UK and by expanding our already excellent team to explore further avenues of growth, we are starting this year as we mean to go on.”