Flexible packaging specialist Roberts Mart (GB-Leeds LS9 8DY; www.roberts-mart.co.uk) is investing GBP 4m in a new purpose-built factory close to its existing premises. A single-storey, 10,000 square metre building will replace the converted six-storey mill complex where the company has operated for nearly 120 years, and should be operational by July/August 2004. The move is expected to see further investment in production machinery, greater efficiencies and improved service to customers.

Roberts Mart supplies a range of printed films and film products based on LDPE, LLDPE, PP and cellulose to the food, household textiles, healthcare and retail markets. It can print in up to eight colours on substrates up to 1,270mm wide and supplies customised carrier bags for products such as duvets and pillows, as well as security and mailing bags and clip-close carriers and drawstring bags.

The family-owned Roberts Mart business has a second company, Romar Packaging (GB-Leeds LS9 0SH; www.romar-packaging.co.uk), that specialises in the extrusion and conversion of an extensive range of low density PE and coextruded films. It produces more than 120t/week of film, of which 40% is supplied to the parent company. Output includes high/low slip grades, micro-perforated types, biodegradable films and shrink/stretch products.

Roberts Mart and Romar have a total workforce of 120 and joint turnover of GBP 13m annually.