One of the UK’s leading packaging specialists is targeting significant expansion in the food and drink sector after securing a top BRCGS ‘AA’ rating. Lesters Packaging, which has provided corrugated boxes and bespoke packaging solutions for more than 40 years, earned the AA standard in recognition of its robust systems for safety, quality, and legality.
This was the first time the Burntwood-based company pursued the rating covering everything from quality control and hygiene to process management and traceability. Led by Business Support Manager Richard Shorthouse and Project Manager Cerianne Dixon, Lesters achieved the accreditation in just six months a milestone that many food and drink manufacturers require from their suppliers.
“The food and drink market is one of the UK’s most dynamic sectors, and we see huge potential for growth,” said Billy Hutchinson, Managing Director of Lesters.
“Our goal is to be the go-to packaging partner for manufacturers supplying supermarkets, retail outlets and home consumers, delivering solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.”
Why BRCGS ‘AA’ Matters
The BRCGS standard underpins Lesters’ commitment to excellence. “To get an AA rating at our first attempt is unheard of,” Hutchinson added. “It underlines the robust systems we already have in place when it comes to repeatable quality, safety and traceability.”
Key elements of Lesters’ quality management system include:
- Senior Management Commitment: Clear objectives, regular reviews, and significant investment in training and equipment.
- Internal Audits & Traceability Testing: Rigorous checks to ensure every batch meets hygiene and safety benchmarks.
- Supplier Approval & Monitoring: Continual assessment of raw materials to maintain consistency.
- Preventative Measures: Root-cause analysis and corrective actions that stop issues before they start.
Tangible Results & Capacity Gains
Since 2023, Lesters has seen revenues rise by £7 million, serving sectors from automotive and engineering to medical and retail. Investment in two TCY large format casemakers has revolutionised production speeds at its 60,000 sq ft Mount Road facility. This boosted capacity by 150% to 15,000 boxes per hour compared to 2022. Eight new hires across sales, design, and manufacturing further strengthen the team.
These advances complement Lesters’ existing accreditations ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 45001 (health & safety) and give the company a clear productivity edge over competitors.
The Lesters Ecosystem: Cradle to Grave
“Our approach really is now ‘cradle to grave,’” Hutchinson explains. Lesters begins with bespoke box design (our products) and manufactures tailored solutions across industries, fresh produce, retail-ready, heavy-duty, (packaging solutions, eco friendly packaging). Through its sister company, Lesters Logistics, clients also access full-service 3PL, trade fulfilment, delivery solutions, and warehousing and storage.
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Looking Ahead
With its new BRCGS ‘AA’ rating, enhanced production capabilities, and end-to-end ecosystem, Lesters Packaging is perfectly positioned to scale in the food and drink market. Whether you need bespoke designs, standard corrugated boxes, or a complete supply-chain solution, Lesters offers the quality and compliance you demand.
For more information, visit lesterspackaging.co.uk or follow us on social media.