Saturday, 13 September 2025
One of Northern Ireland’s leading print and packaging firms, Print Library, is undertaking a major upgrade of its facilities following a £1.5 million investment. The Newtownards-based company, co-founded by Geoff Truesdale and Michael Thompson in 2001, is integrating a state-of-the-art press and plate machine into its operations by the end of 2025. This latest investment […]
One of Northern Ireland’s leading print and packaging firms, Print Library, is undertaking a major upgrade of its facilities following a £1.5 million investment. The Newtownards-based company, co-founded by Geoff Truesdale and Michael Thompson in 2001, is integrating a state-of-the-art press and plate machine into its operations by the end of 2025.
This latest investment follows an earlier £500,000 spend since the beginning of 2025, bringing the total investment this year to £2 million. The earlier phase included a cutting-edge Computer Aided Design (CAD) prototyping machine and high-tech inspection cameras for the company’s glue line, both of which have already had a transformational impact on Print Library’s production process.
The new press and plate machines, scheduled for full integration by December 2025, are expected to increase production capacity by 50%, helping the business boost output, streamline operations, and meet growing demand, particularly from the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
Geoff Truesdale commented:
“It’s an exciting time for Print Library as the business continues to grow. The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector has increased demand for cartons, and as a company we’ve worked tirelessly to embrace this challenge as the great opportunity it is.”
The firm has reported year-on-year growth of up to 20%, driven by its ability to innovate and make targeted strategic investments.
In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, packaging is a powerful branding tool, often influencing purchasing decisions in seconds. Trends such as premiumisation, minimalist design, and eco-conscious branding are shaping packaging requirements across retail.
Print Library’s investment in advanced CAD prototyping and precision press equipment allows clients to create packaging that stands out on shelves while also aligning with sustainability goals. These capabilities give the company a competitive edge in meeting both aesthetic and functional packaging demands.
The investment programme has been rolled out in stages across 2025:
CAD Prototyping Machine
This machine has revolutionised the company’s design process by allowing teams to prototype every fold and closure with precision. It enables 3D modelling of packaging solutions and the creation of physical samples for client feedback and performance testing.
Inspection Cameras for the Glue Line
Installed during the summer, these advanced cameras allow for barcode scanning and traceability on the glue line, helping the company detect faults in real time and prevent issues in the printing process.
These technological upgrades have directly enhanced Print Library’s product range, which now includes cartons, ready meal sleeves, and pastry boxes, tailored to evolving market demand.
Print Library maintains a clear focus on sustainable packaging. The company uses:
Certified boards from sustainably managed forests
Vegetable-based inks
Vegan-friendly glues
Recycling of 55 tonnes of wastepaper each month
Michael Thompson said:
“Customers and industry rightly demand high standards when it comes to sustainability and environmental responsibility. As we look to the future, investment and innovation go hand in hand with our sustainability goals, all things that will help Print Library continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Packaging waste is a major environmental challenge, especially for sectors like food and retail. As businesses move toward circular economy models, companies like Print Library are helping bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing and sustainable innovation. By designing packaging that is fully recyclable, using responsibly sourced materials, and reducing production waste, Print Library contributes to keeping valuable resources in use for as long as possible, minimising landfill and pollution.
With its 25th anniversary approaching in 2026, Print Library continues to prioritise a mission that blends creativity, quality, and conscience. The company serves a wide range of clients, including retail multiples, food and drink manufacturers, and health and beauty brands, across Ireland and the UK.
Geoff Truesdale added:
“As we look to grow the business further across Ireland and the UK, sustainability will be a priority as we produce packaging for a range of retail multiples, food and drink manufacturers and leading players in the health and beauty sector. It’s an exciting time for the company, and we’re delighted to continue staying one step ahead with targeted and meaningful investment.”
Print Library’s 2025 investment programme marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey. With strategic upgrades in place and a clear commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, the company is well-positioned to lead the print and packaging sector into a new chapter—serving both customer demand and environmental responsibility.
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