'A great win for the midlands': An Indian packaging firm is setting up shop in Longford

Leetha Industries is establishing a new operation called Red Seal Cups.

By Conor McMahon Deputy editor, Fora

AN INDIA-HEADQUARTERED PACKAGING manufacturer is setting up a new operation in Co Longford.

Leetha Industries, which makes packaging for the medical, food service and disposable packaging industries, is opening a new manufacturing and supply firm called Red Seal Cups Limited in the midlands county.

The Cochin-headquartered outfit is partnering with English firm Food Containers Manufacturing UK Limited to produce a range of heat-resistant packaging, which will be sold throughout the UK and Europe.

A spokeswoman for State agency IDA said Red Seal Cups is taking over part of a plant in Longford Town that was previously used by gas and engineering supplier Cameron, which shut up shop in 2017, resulting in hundreds of job losses.

The company plans to invest around €5 million in the Longford facility.

Between now and 2021, more than 100 people will be hired at the new Red Seal Cups operation. The company is looking to hire people to fill a range of roles, from senior management to packers and warehouse staff.

Red Seal chief executive Bob Mann said recruitment will start “at the earliest opportunity”.

The IDA’s boss, Martin Shanahan. described today’s announcement as “a great win for Longford and the midlands region”.

Leetha Industries

Founded in 1979, Leetha Industries is headquartered in Cochin city in the Indian state of Kerala. It makes a range of products, including paper coffee cups and various types of industrial packaging.

The firm currently employs more than 600 people at various production plants in southern India.

Its partner, Food Containers Manufacturing UK, was established in 2003 and supplies products to quick service restaurants and the cash and carry sector.

Its customers include Poland-based cash and carry group Makro and UK wholesaler Booker, which was recently taken over by supermarket giant Tesco in a £3.7 billion deal.

According to documents filed with the Companies Registration Office, Red Seal Cups Limited was established in February of last year. Ranjit Kaur Mann and Balbir Singh Mann are listed as directors.

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