___________________________________________________________________________ i2r
Packaging Solutions
Aluminum manufacturing momentum
i2r is expanding its global aluminum tray manufacturing with automation, sustainability focus, and strategic investment
I2r Packaging Solutions( i2r) operates in a sector where food manufacturers, processors, and retailers need consistent tray supply, material performance, and manufacturing reliability. It focuses on aluminum foil packaging for ready meals, catering, food processing, takeaway, and foodservice, offering wrinklewall and smoothwall formats, i2r Ultra, Eclipse lacquered options, bespoke designs, and lidding systems. With headquarters in Telford, United Kingdom, and supported by Laminazione Sottile Group, it aligns production efficiency with sustainability and steady international expansion.
Since its launch in 2007, i2r has moved from a start-up vision to a globally engaged operation supplying Europe, North America, Asia, and additional regions through subsidiaries such as i2r Inc. in the United States and i2r Korea. With a turnover between £ 45 million and £ 50 million, it is supported by a workforce of 160, split between office headquarters and manufacturing.
i2r packaging expansion
The manufacturing strategy at i2r focuses on controlled investment, scalable throughput, and predictable output for customers that depend on secure packaging. It follows a defined five-year investment framework backed by Laminazione Sottile Group, set to expand its operational footprint by pursuing land acquisition between its current office and production site to support closer collaboration and more integrated workflows.
Robotics investment is at the core of current manufacturing upgrades. New robotic handling systems recently went live to move aluminum material across the factory floor, removing heavy manual lifting and supporting safer, more controlled material flow. Further automation stages are in the pipeline, with the aim of upskilling employees to operate and manage advanced equipment rather than replacing workforce capability. The balance between people and machines supports stable line performance, steady throughput, and reliable fulfillment for food production clients that cannot afford supply interruption.
The expansion strategy responds to ongoing growth in prepared food markets, where manufacturers require trays that
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