MM Packaging Deeside appoints Dave Whitworth as Managing Director, continuing growth, innovation focus

SCOTLAND – MM Packaging Deeside has appointed Dave Whitworth as managing director, bringing continuity to the Scottish packaging facility as it continues to drive growth and innovation in cartonboard packaging.

Whitworth joined the company as operations director in 2018 and has led several initiatives, placing health and safety at the centre of operations. 

He also played a key role in developing the current Deeside facility and overseeing the move from the previous site. 

Whitworth began his management career at Metal Box before joining Oldham-based Ribble Packaging as a shift manager, later progressing to production manager. 

His background in both metal and paperboard packaging gives him a broad perspective on converting processes, material properties, and quality standards. 

The appointment has been described as providing the business with continuity as it continues to drive for growth.

From Operations to Leadership

Whitworth began his management career at Metal Box before joining Oldham-based Ribble Packaging as a shift manager, later progressing to production manager. 

Metal Box was once a dominant force in UK metal packaging, and Ribble Packaging produced rigid paperboard boxes. 

This background in both metal and paperboard packaging gives Whitworth a broad perspective on converting processes, material properties, and quality standards. 

His promotion from operations director to managing director is internal, which signals stability to customers and employees rather than disruption from an external hire.

Apprenticeship Success

One of the company’s success stories has been its apprenticeship scheme. Whitworth was instrumental in its launch and remains committed to giving individuals the opportunity to forge a clear career path in the packaging industry. 

Supported by the BPIF (British Printing Industries Federation), MM Packaging offers a three-year apprenticeship in manufacturing. Last year, the business welcomed seven new apprentices to the business. 

For the packaging industry, which faces a skills gap as experienced operators retire, apprenticeship programmes are essential for maintaining technical expertise in carton converting, die-cutting, and print quality control.

Strategic Focus

Whitworth stated that he is delighted to now be leading the team at Deeside, and he is confident the business will continue to grow, building on the strong foundations of the people and processes in place. 

He noted that at MM Packaging, the company goes beyond providing standard cartons, and it is important that the company remains inventive and innovative in an ever-changing packaging landscape, which is why MM Packaging will continue to invest in new equipment and maintain its strategy of developing talent.

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