James Cropper is merging its two paper divisions, Speciality Paper and Converting, into one business to simplify and optimise customer service.

James Cropper is the new, simplified name for the speciality paper and converting business of James Cropper PLC, operating from the company’s traditional manufacturing and administration base in Burneside, Cumbria. Led by Commercial Director, Chris Brown, the move sees the sales and marketing teams merged into one, allowing more cross selling of the products and capabilities of those divisions. 

The combined division grew sales by 7% to £71.5m in the year to March 2014, with operating profit of £2.5m, a 20% increase on the year before.

The merger of the two divisions coincides with a complete rebrand, stressing the company’s heritage and its commitment to innovation and customer service. The combination of the two allows the specialist paper product portfolio to combine the specialist colours, embossings, and surface enhancements with mount-boards, high-quality inkjet papers, display board and luxury packaging.

Chris Brown says: “By combining the converting and paper businesses under one brand, we invite our existing and future customers to task us with completing the most challenging production requests, from sales to delivery, on just one manufacturing site. Our mill has an unrivalled reputation for colour and scientific research into new paper finishes. The ambition is to offer customers a seamless service.”

James Cropper PLC also incorporates Technical Fibre Products (TFP), suppliers of nonwoven, speciality fibre products to industries including aerospace, automotive and electronics markets. TFP remains a standalone business as it operates in very different market niches.