FPS UK Facility Spotlight – Graham Robson & Ellie Kendall

Graham Robson and Ellie Kendall from FPS UK, gives their insights and thoughts on what makes Thirsk facility unique in its operations and approach to its customers.

1. What makes the FPS UK facility unique?

At FPS UK Flexible Packaging Solutions, our UK plant has been manufacturing FIBC’s for 40 years. Based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, we are proud to operate what we believe to be the world’s most efficient single-loop manufacturing plant, with the capacity to produce over 5 million bags per year. Our capabilities include six-colour printing, experienced Quality Control personnel, an on-site Quality Laboratory and dedicated Technical Account Managers, ensuring our customers receive the expertise, quality and support they need.

With UK production, it means we can deliver to the UK fertiliser market on a quick lead time, reacting immediately – the service to be able to switch production around in UK time means we are reactive, quick off the mark, proactive and passionate about providing the excellent service our customers expect.

Our UK plant is proud to have built long-standing relationships with customers across the agricultural industry. These partnerships are built on trust, consistency, and a shared understanding of what matters most: quality products, dependable service and reliable supply.

• Partnerships built over time – Long-standing customer relationships reflect the confidence our customers place in us and the commitment we make to supporting their businesses.
• Understanding our customers – Working with customers over many years allows us to develop a deeper understanding of their requirements, challenges and expectations.
• Reliability they can depend on – In the FIBC industry, dependable packaging and consistent service are essential. We understand the importance of delivering on our promises, particularly when our customers are working to tight schedules and seasonal demands.
• A personal approach – Strong relationships are built through communication, collaboration and being there when our customers need us.

For us, success isn’t just measured in the products we manufacture. It’s measured in the partnerships we’ve maintained, the trust we’ve earned and the customers who continue to choose FPS year after year.

• Understanding the industry – From agriculture and fertiliser to other bulk-handling applications, understanding how our customers operate helps us deliver solutions that work in the real world.
• Flexibility when it matters – We recognise that no two customers or supply chains are the same. Adapting to different specifications, requirements and delivery schedules is an important part of what we do.
• Consistent quality – In industries where packaging performance and dependable supply are essential, consistency matters. We focus on providing FIBCs that meet our customers’ needs and support their day-to-day operations.
• A commitment to dependable supply – We understand the importance of having the right packaging available when it’s needed, particularly during busy seasonal periods.

2. What are some recent achievements by the UK team?

Being awarded the Sustainability Award in 2024 was a huge success for the FPS UK. Successfully transitioning 100% of willing customers to transition over to FIBC’s with 30% minimum recycled content took organisation, determination, and teamwork from the 1 loop team to get the project over the line before the PPT (Plastics Packaging Tax) hit the UK, saving our customers thousands of GBP in tax and also assisting them strive closer to their own sustainability targets. We’re also an ISO 9001-2015 accredited site, showcasing its operational excellence.

3. How does the team support customers in the wider FPS network?

Honestly, I feel by working closely with our FPS-owned facilities and trusted manufacturing partners, our team can identify the most suitable sourcing options based on product specifications, pricing and lead-time requirements. This flexibility allows us to balance UK manufacturing with our wider international supply network, while maintaining a consistent focus on quality and customer satisfaction. Communication and relationships mean everything to make this work, for us and our customers, and we have a solid relationship with both FPS 1L plants in Europe spanning back years.

4. Do you have any further comments?

With nearly 40 years of manufacturing experience, our Thirsk plant combines efficiency, quality and expertise to deliver dependable FIBC solutions. Our experienced team takes pride in maintaining high standards while remaining flexible and responsive to changing customer demands. Customers are the core of our business and why we do what we do. What sets FPS apart is our ability to combine long-standing customer relationships with a flexible supply network. Whether it’s short lead times, urgent last-minute requirements or finding the right balance between cost and availability, our focus is always on delivering the right solution for our customers – Ellie Kendall