Barnstaple’s Atlas Packaging celebrates 40 years in business

Little did Adrian Gamble know when he set up a small packaging firm 40 years ago today (October 13, 2023), that it would become one of the UK’s leading corrugated businesses.

Although Atlas Packaging was recently acquired by Smurfit Kappa, the firm retains its own identity and its hard earned position of being highly regarded within the industry.

General manager Jason Sharman, who has been with Atlas since 1992, said: “It’s a great achievement as Atlas has really punched above its weight over the past 40 years.

“But we’ve done that by being innovative, nimble, honest and straight forward with our customers.

“When I joined the business it was like joining a family and it still has that feel today. When Adrian created the company he had a vision as to where it would go and yes, we’ve had our ups and downs along the way, but to eventually be acquired by one of the world’s largest packaging companies shows just how far the business has come since it started from a small lock up on the edge of town.”

Over the past four decades, Atlas Packaging grew from a local start up in Barnstaple into a nationally recognised leader in packaging design and manufacturing.

The company has continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of its clients while remaining dedicated to environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Jason added: “We are thrilled to celebrate 40 years of delivering innovative packaging solutions.

“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, the trust of our clients, and our commitment to creating sustainable packaging that helps our clients reduce their environmental footprint and offering support to local charities and good causes.”

Atlas Packaging has always been at the forefront of sustainability and environmental responsibility. It has a reputation for its innovative use of materials and design to create packaging solutions that minimise waste and environmental impact.

As part of an ongoing commitment to sustainability, the company has implemented initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, such as Solar PV and biomass heating as well as producing 100 per cent recyclable and plastic free packaging.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the business recently held a staff party and invited former members of the Atlas team to come and raise a glass.

It was a time to look back at the old photos and look ahead as to where the team will take Atlas in the next 40 years.