James Cropper has appointed Steve Adams as its new managing director, Alison Daniels as marketing director and Ivan Iannetta as US sales manager (east coast). 

Adams, who has 30 years’ industry experience and previously worked for 3M as electronics and energy business director, was appointed in September but commenced his post this week.

“I’m excited to join James Cropper at a time when the business is flourishing and looking to grow and develop in new areas. The company has a fantastic reputation in the paper manufacturing arena and I look forward to bringing my knowledge and skills to help it build and further cement its position,” Adams said.

Daniels joins James Cropper after 15 years in Bayer Crop Science UK's marketing division and will be overseeing the marketing strategy of Cropper's manufacturing arm.

Iannetta, meanwhile, will provide local client support and promote James Cropper’s offering in the US east coast region. 

James Cropper chief executive Phil Wild said 2017 was set to be "another exciting year" for the company. "We’re confident that our latest recruits bring with them the necessary skills and experience that will help us in our continued quest to be at the forefront of our industry, whether it’s technical development, enhanced marketing strategies or increased sales.” 

Wild added that this year would see the rollout of Dolcelicious, James Cropper’s food contact-approved paper, and its Tailor Made bespoke paper to global markets. 

James Cropper's Cumbrian facility was recently visited by Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron MP, who met with Wild and discussed the latest developments at the company and the need for a UK industrial strategy that supports manufacturing post-Brexit.

In the months since the Brexit vote, Farron has focused his party on campaigning to remain in the EU, a key factor in its recent Richmond Park by-election victory. 

Farron said: “James Cropper is a shining example of the best of British manufacturing, complementing their traditional paper business with the latest technology and innovation, and creating skilled local jobs and apprenticeships. 

“As a country, it is vital that we support businesses and develop the skill base required so that other firms can follow James Cropper’s example.” 

In its half-year results posted last November, £45m-turnover James Cropper posted strong revenue growth and profits.