The free online platform Mypackme.com allows manufacturers to enter the details on any under-utilised lines they have within their factories.
Food and drink producers or those needing manufacturing assistance, such as in packing products, can also register with the site. They are then potentially matched and anonymity is maintained until either party wants to proceed further.
‘Blown away’
While the Mypackme website was soft launched in January, “we have been blown away” with the high level of interest and positive reaction, said co-owner John Taylerson.
“There are plenty of lines not utilised as well as they should be,” said Taylerson. “The idea is that you give enough information so that you can find out if anyone is out there looking for what you do and you do not have to give enough information for people to know who it is.”
Consultancy services were also being offered by the platform, where companies were looking for certain suppliers to solve problems, but wanted to keep it confidential, he added.
In the wake of Brexit
Taylerson remarked that another growth area might emerge in the wake of Brexit, as food producers looked to bring production back from Europe to the UK.
“There are filling and packaging equipment manufacturers that have formats that are in mainland Europe that are not available or not viable for smaller sites in UK. Some new pack formats are available in Europe and not here,” said Taylerson.
If there were enough demand, these formats could be made available in the UK market place, he added. “I think it will make a lot more stuff possible and not least because Brexit is driving it.”