Packaging and stationery specialist acquires Celsur and Ambro

Rapidly expanding packaging and stationery specialist Duraweld, based in Scarborough, is continuing its growth journey with the acquisition of the business and assets of Celsur Plastics Ltd, Ambroplastics Ltd and Abbey Stationery Products Ltd, strengthening its position as the leading player in the sector.

Having served thousands of customers in the bespoke stationery, presentation and packaging sector for the last six decades, the three brands have now joined the Yorkshire-based Duraweld group following their liquidation in January 2023. Celsur is one of the best-known names in the industry providing a wide range of pvc, paper over board and polyprop products and promotional gifts. Sister company Ambroplastics, provides bespoke solutions for plastics and cardbased products in the presentation packaging sector.

Duraweld has also strengthened its seven-strong sales team and ensured continuity for customers with the appointments of Emma Morris and Sharon Heath, both of whom have worked for Celsur for more than 20 years.

Founded in 1959, Duraweld designs and manufactures a wide range of packaging and stationery products for customers from the NHS to the FA, working across sectors such as healthcare and retail. Led by managing director Mark Yeung, it has a purpose-built factory which includes in-house screen printing, digital printing, inline paper overboard wrapping, high-frequency welding, sonic welding, digital and hydraulic cutting, foil-blocking and embossing. The Scarborough-based business employs over 50 people.

The acquisition was supported by Sue Moul of specialist finance team recruiter Headstar in Leeds who has been working with Duraweld as the company’s finance director for the last two years, providing strategic financial support.

These latest acquisitions follow the merger of leading designer and manufacturer of quality packaging solutions, Prima Yorkshire, into Duraweld in November 2022 which expanded Duraweld’s service and product offerings, cementing its position with key customer groups and adding folding card products to the range.

Mark said, “There are some incredible synergies in the mindset and approach of Celsur and Duraweld - we operate in similar sectors and offer complementary products and levels of service. Adding these long-established brands to our extensive portfolio marks an exciting new phase for the businesses - we are looking forward to supporting their former clients, alongside our extensive customer base, all backed by Duraweld’s deep manufacturing expertise.

“It’s exciting to further expand our customer base during a period of such strong growth for Duraweld, with the move strengthening our position as the go-to business in this specialist sector. We also pleased to welcome such experienced sales professionals as Emma Morris and Sharon Heath to the Duraweld family, and there will be more appointment announcements to come.”

Emma comments: “It has been a challenging period, but I’m genuinely excited to be joining Duraweld. The team have been great, and I’m looking forward to providing continuity and ensuring a seamless transition for longstanding customers.”

Celsur CEO, Phil Caudle, added: “We are proud of having created a business with a passion for disruption and a vision to shake up the packaging and stationery industry. While the pandemic and geopolitics presented us with many challenges, having got to know Duraweld in recent months, we have been impressed by their capabilities and are confident that the businesses have a great future ahead as part of the Duraweld group.”

Bradford Garden Centre's apprentices complete their courses

Management at a Bradford Garden Centre are celebrating after its first two apprentices have passed their qualifications.

19-year-old Alfie Taylor from Wyke was employed by Tong Garden Centre as a plants apprentice and studied at Shipley College to gain a Horticulture Operative Level 2 qualification and 27-year-old Brandon Cox from Birkenshaw has completed Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery with distinction.

Both attended their respective colleges one day a week and worked the remaining four days as plants and joinery assistants respectively.

Of his achievement, Alfie said: "I'm so grateful to the people and culture team at Tong for giving me this opportunity. It has given me horticultural knowledge and practical skills to carry out horticultural tasks and has helped me to plan my future career path. I would recommend apprenticeships to anyone wanting to earn while they learn."

Alfie’s line manager, Marc Salama is delighted with his progress: "Alfie now has the ability and confidence to take responsibility for areas within the outdoor department, especially within landscaping and I'm confident he can teach a small group effectively. His knowledge base extends from chemicals and fertilisers to planting and maintenance, so he adds value to both the plants and the garden sundries departments.

"Brandon is always the first to get stuck into projects and now has the skills to do a wide range of jobs from building our award-winning display structures, creating a plant pot recycling station, completing shop fittings and helping to build our cabins at Mission Out, our adventure play area at Tingley Garden Centre."

Head of people and culture, Neil Barwise-Carr said: "Apprenticeships at all levels are a great way to acquire skills whilst learning on the job. For the students, they're earning whilst they're learning, and for us, we have employees with valuable skills that they can build on to progress their career with us as we grow.

Brandon is proud of his achievements, having gained a distinction in both his portfolio and final assessment: "I really enjoy putting my new skills into practice each day and am very grateful for this opportunity. I'm enjoying the break from studying whilst considering if I will go on to complete further qualifications in carpentry and joinery."

His line manager, Kevin Smith said:

"We pride ourselves on nurturing our team and Alfie and Brandon are just two examples of people we have invested in. We are currently supporting a number of colleagues, including our Finance Manager, Harriet Kelly to acquire her Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) qualification and our People, Culture & Sustainability Business Partner, Steph Bates to gain a Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management.