The Welton Polythene business of British Polythene Industries (96 Port Glasgow Road, Greenock, Scotland PA15 2RP) has been sold to BXL Plastics for GBP 1.475m. Finished stocks will be acquired at valuation on completion of the deal. Part of BP Amoco Chemicals (Huddersfield Road, Darton, GB-Barnsley S75 5NA), BXL Plastics has made the acquisition as a strategic move to underpin its existing flexible packaging operations, particularly with regard to the printing and conversion of blown PE films. All plant and equipment from Welton Polythene´s site in Midsomer Norton, Somerset, will be transferred to the BXL operation in Darton, South Yorkshire. There have been no job losses at Welton Polythene and the deal is expected to add 10 staff to the existing workforce of 360 at BXL.

“This acquisition is complementary to BP Amoco Chemicals´ growth strategy and reinforces the position of our performance films businesses as one of Europe´s leading producers of flexible packaging,” said Robin McGill, business unit leader of the company´s Fabrications Group.

BPI has disposed of Welton Polythene, which had a turnover last year of GBP 5.5m, to concentrate on its Welton, Bibby & Baron paper bag activities at the same site. According to Jack Paton, managing director, polythene operations, “This disposal fits into our strategy of closing, selling or fixing loss-making businesses this year and of focusing all locations on specific activities.”

BXL PLastics, which prior to this acquisition had a turnover of GBP 40m, expects the equipment from Welton to be in operation on the Darton site by September. The company has been operating a flexible packaging plant in Poland for 12 months to serve the local market. It achieved sales last year of GBP 4m.