The Weedon Group, a cornerstone of the UK’s corrugated packaging industry, has appointed Gary Hargreaves as its new Managing Director, signaling a new chapter in the company’s strategic evolution. Known for its focus on sustainable and innovative packaging solutions, the Weedon Group’s leadership change arrives at a time when supply chain agility and eco-conscious design are more critical than ever.

Hargreaves, who brings over 30 years of experience in the paper-based packaging sector, steps into the role following a period of significant growth and market repositioning. His appointment marks a renewed emphasis on customer-centric innovation, operational efficiency, and deeper alignment with emerging sustainability standards across the UK and Europe.

In a statement, Weedon Group Chairman John Weedon praised Hargreaves’ deep industry knowledge and leadership acumen: “Gary understands not only the technical aspects of packaging production but also how to deliver value in a market increasingly shaped by environmental pressures and digital transformation.”

The Weedon Group, which includes Weedon PSC and Weedon Corrugated Products, has built its reputation on bespoke corrugated packaging and point-of-sale display solutions. The company serves key industries such as food & beverage, retail, and e-commerce — all of which are experiencing a shift toward lightweight, recyclable, and cost-efficient packaging formats.

Key areas expected to be driven forward under Hargreaves' leadership include:

• Expansion of digital and flexographic printing capabilities to meet demand for high-impact, short-run packaging
• Increased investment in automation to enhance speed-to-market and reduce production waste
• Strengthening of supply chain resilience post-Brexit and amid global logistics disruptions
• Commitment to circular packaging solutions aligned with upcoming UK and EU sustainability mandates

The appointment also highlights the importance of leadership continuity in family-founded enterprises, especially as the Weedon Group continues to modernize while preserving its core values. With Hargreaves at the helm, the company is expected to push further into value-added packaging segments, particularly for online retail and climate-conscious brands.

“Sustainable innovation isn’t optional anymore — it’s integral to how we grow,” said Hargreaves. “I look forward to guiding the Weedon Group through this pivotal moment in the packaging industry.”

As UK-based packaging manufacturers navigate a fast-changing landscape of material sourcing, labor dynamics, and regulatory shifts, strong leadership will be crucial. The Weedon Group’s strategic evolution under Hargreaves is likely to serve as a model for how mid-sized packaging companies can remain competitive through targeted investment and responsive design practices.