Moorland Plastics ties up new contract with the Co-Operative

A not-for-profit plastics company, which employs people with disabilities, has secured a two-year contract to supply The Co-operative Food’s Logistics Service.

Barnsley-based Moorland Plastics will supply more than 600,000 retention hooks and straps for roll cages to The Co-operative, as part of the undisclosed six-figure contract.

The firm, which is funded by Barnsley Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, employs around 33 people with various physical and learning disabilities, as well as working with Barnsley Council and local Job Centres to provide training and work experience to the long-term unemployed and young people not in education or training (NEETS).

It specialises in injection moulding, vacuum forming and assembly, and manufactures a range of products, from plastic doors and windows to parts for hand tools. The company was profiled as an up-and-coming small business in BP&R’s ‘Small Business Showcase’ in December 2011.

James Smith, Sales and Marketing Manager at Moorland Plastics, said: “One of our main objectives is to develop Moorland Plastics into a long-term supplier of products for major UK organisations, such as The Co-operative, so we can expand and provide even more employment opportunities for disabled people, and provide work-based learning for young adults.

“We’re already on track to double sales this year, and this new contract with The Co-operative is a perfect fit for both businesses, and will also make a real difference to a lot of people’s lives through our supported employment initiative.”

Chas Shepperson, National Materials Handling Equipment and Warehouse Equipment Fleet Manager, The Co-operative Food, said: “We are delighted to work with Moorland Plastics, which is a highly technical plastics manufacturer with a proven track record for supplying high-quality products across the UK.”

The Co-operative has more than 210,000 roll cages, and the new retention straps will replace worn or missing hooks and straps at its UK-wide distribution network. The Co-operative’s Logistics network services more than 4,000 stores, including independent Co-operatives, and makes more than 30,000 deliveries per week.

Councillor Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, added: “The Co-operative Food’s responsible retailing credentials are a great fit with the nature of Moorland Plastics, and it’s a testament to both organisations’ commitment to providing an excellent service to their stakeholders.”