Unette visit

Cheshire East Council recently visited Unette, based on Cheshire Green Industrial Park as part of its Made in Cheshire East initiative, one of the leading liquid filling and packaging companies in the Country.

Left to right, the image shows:

• Cllr Nick Mannion
• Cllr Michael Gorman
• David Rimmer (Unette Vice Chairman)
• Ian Arrowsmith (Unette Managing Director)

Driving innovation in liquid filling and packaging

Unette is a long-established Cheshire East manufacturer that has built a reputation for innovation in liquid filling, contract packaging and sustainable packaging solutions. With more than 50 years of expertise, the family-owned business works with customers ranging from start-ups and entrepreneurs to globally recognised brands across the health, nutrition, personal care, household and industrial sectors.

Founded in the 1960s as Packaging Services by Stanley George Hudson, the company has continually evolved to meet changing market demands. Today, still under Hudson family ownership, Unette combines decades of manufacturing knowledge with advanced technology and in-house engineering expertise to deliver bespoke packaging solutions that help customers bring products to market efficiently and sustainably.

Engineering-led innovation

What makes Unette stand out is its ability to design and build much of its own production machinery. Rather than relying solely on standard industry equipment, the company develops customised filling and packaging systems that allow it to create unique formats and respond quickly to customer requirements.

Among its best-known innovations is the Tear Top Tube, which has become widely used within the sports nutrition market and other convenient "on-the-go" applications. The business also offers a range of specialist packaging formats, contract filling services and private label solutions for the growing nutraceutical and health sectors.

Investing for growth

Unette's growth in recent years led to a significant investment in a purpose-built 30,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and office facility on the outskirts of Nantwich. Opened in 2019, the new headquarters has increased production capacity, provided state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and created space for continued product development and innovation.

The investment reflects the company's ambition to continue expanding its customer base, develop new packaging technologies and strengthen its position as a leading specialist manufacturer in the UK packaging sector. 

Sustainability at the heart of the business

Sustainability is a key focus for Unette and is embedded throughout its product development strategy. Through its Econette range, the company has developed packaging solutions designed to significantly reduce plastic consumption and waste. Some formats can reduce plastic usage by up to 80% compared with traditional packaging alternatives, helping customers meet their own environmental and corporate responsibility goals.

The company has also invested in renewable energy, installing solar panels across its headquarters. As a result, its office and manufacturing facility has operated as carbon neutral since 2020. Unette's lightweight packaging solutions further reduce transport requirements and associated carbon emissions across supply chains.

Supporting jobs and the local economy

As a growing advanced manufacturing business, Unette plays an important role in Cheshire East's economy. Its continued investment in facilities, technology and innovation supports skilled jobs in engineering, manufacturing, product development and business services. The company's growth also strengthens the region's reputation as a hub for high-value manufacturing and innovation.

By exporting innovative products and working with customers across multiple sectors, Unette demonstrates how Cheshire East businesses are successfully competing in national and international markets while continuing to invest locally.

A proud part of Cheshire East

Our visit to Unette highlighted the strength of innovation, engineering excellence and sustainable manufacturing within Cheshire East. The company's commitment to developing new packaging technologies, reducing environmental impact and investing in local growth showcases the ambition and resilience of the borough's business community.

Through continued innovation and expansion, Unette is helping position Cheshire East at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and sustainable packaging solutions.

To learn more about Unette and its products and services, please visit the Unette website.