New ownership, same community
Christchurch-based printing company Blueprint has recently bought packaging firm Pakworld, and the new owner is excited for the future.
Ensconced at the base of the Port Hills, Hillsborough-based Pakworld was founded in 1924. It specialises in product packaging and printing, working with brands that many Kiwis will be familiar with, from the ones found on the supermarket shelf to the burger joint.
When new owner Michael Lightbourne bought the business this month, he was committed to maintaining the sense of community within the company and setting it on the track to success.
Michael says he is excited to take on the 100-year-old, family-founded business.
“It’s a great company. It’s got great bones. Consumer packaging is a growth area, so this plant has great potential.”
Printing and packaging make sense to Michael. He has over 30 years of experience in this world and is also the owner of Blueprint, a specialist Christchurch-based printer.
Michael mentions Pakworld’s family values, something that has kept staff turnover low – a hallmark of Michael’s business, Blueprint.
“We want to create an environment where people enjoy their work.”
This is something production manager Chris Inglis echoes, saying that Michael has already displayed genuine, caring leadership.
“Now that Michael has taken over, it feels like a family again. He gives me the sense that we’re all on the same page and trusts us to do what we do best.”
Michael doesn’t see his role as dictating how things work, but rather as strengthening the already “very capable team”.
“The people here are craftspeople. They know what they’re doing, and they’re really experienced. Some of our employees have been with Pakworld for 35 years, and some are second generation, like Amber, who followed in the footsteps of her mother.”
Michael mentions that Pakworld is set up well for the future focusing on sustainability and providing clients with packaging that meets modern consumer demands – and it has the credentials to back this up.
“We’re FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited. We do have an environmental bent to what we do, and it’s important. Most of what we produce is recyclable.”
The FSC is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests.
Michael says that, unlike some other packaging printing specialists in the market, they’re committed to staying local.
“We’re locally owned and operated, and we produce 100 per cent locally. That makes us special.”
This is reinforced by a passion to bring local young people into the trade and train them in what is definitely a craft, with Pakworld currently bringing through two apprentices.
Chris started as an apprentice himself and values the opportunity that provided to him, and he’s passionate about making sure others have the same chances.
“The reason I love this job so much is seeing apprentices come through, and I want to see them succeed. Pakworld is my soul,” says Chris.
For Michael and the team, it’s back to business. The aim is to combine Blueprint and Pakworld under one roof in January 2025, while maintaining the individual names, meaning they will be able to print “almost anything”.