Packaging firm JSB is boxing clever when it comes to filling a gap in the business market.
The County Durham firm spotted a need for bespoke-sized cardboard cartons and changed direction to meet that need.
Now manufacturing firms can’t contain their enthusiasm for the fact they can get just the right sized packaging to protect their valuable products during delivery.
And JSB ticked all the boxes for business support from the Durham Business Opportunities Programme (DBOP) – receiving help to realise its growth ambitions.
Lisa Wall, business engagement officer for DBOP, said: “JSB is exactly the type of firm we can help and support.
“They took advantage of the new Incubator Zone at last year’s Oktoberfest, the region’s biggest engineering and manufacturing expo.
“The incubator zone is aimed at manufacturing businesses in County Durham who have very little or no experience of exhibiting.
“JSB benefitted from intensive support through the Durham Business Opportunities Programme to enable their business to be exhibition ready and as a result of this intensive support have successfully won three new contracts.”
Based in Bishop Auckland JSB specialises in very small runs or even creating single containers – whatever the size or scale of the product.
Rob Barrons, the firm’s managing director, said: “I’d been selling packaging all my working life, but two years ago, we decided to move from selling it to making it.
“We noticed a lot of companies were cutting out the middleman and going direct to packaging makers and our profits were falling and that’s because they wanted a more specialised service.
“We spotted an opportunity for making limited amounts of bespoke cartons. Some firms might be sending out fewer products but they need to be correctly packaged to limit any damage in transit.
JSB’s main customers are blue chip companies like Thorn Lighting and Crafter’s Companion.
Rob says: “Firms needn’t be forced to make do with a box that’s too big for their product and then pack it with bubble wrap.
“We can cut to any size and shape and make just one box if need be. You can’t get a smaller run than that! A perfectly-sized box will enhance the professionalism of any presentation.
“Our biggest boxes are six metres long – a size we used recently for handrails for JCB earth movers exported to Italy.
“At the other end of the scale, the smallest ones we have made are of the Glasgow-based company Palin watches, to fit their wristwatches perfectly.
“We’ve just invested in new machinery and are looking forward to more business growth in the near future.”
DBOP is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
If you’d like to talk to the DBOP team about getting support and advice please contact them on DBOPEnquiries@durham.gov.uk or 01207 291 268.