With the end of 2014 approaching fast we take stock of what has happened before and look ahead towards our targets and goals for 2015. Those that read my posts will know that 2014 has been a defining year for Smartlift Bulk Packaging both in sales and internal progress. We have taken giant steps to strengthen our infrastructure and invested in the areas that will ensure our future growth.

Many new products have featured in our portfolio this year but the stand out product by far is the long awaited JACKBOX. This new flood defence product was finally launched at the Flood Expo in London two weeks ago and received impressive feedback from many of the industry’s leading experts.

JACKBOX is a unique, rapidly deployable, temporary flood barrier that can be constructed up to 10 times quicker than traditional sandbags. The lightweight, flexible design ensures that it can be deployed by one person and erected ready for filling in seconds and then recovered after the flood with no mess and ease

Myself and fellow Director John Whitehead travelled across the pond to the Engineer Research and Development Centre (ERDC) in Vicksburg, Mississippi in November to assist in the testing of JACKBOX. The 8 day protocol put JACKBOX through its paces and replicated real life situations. Pleasingly, both the 2ft and 3ft high product withstood all we threw at it and was recognised as being a capable temporary flood barrier.
Large stocks are landing in the states and in the UK by the end of January and live demonstration days will be organised in March / April. Our Website www.jackboxflooddefence.co.uk contains further information on this exciting new flood defence system.

Aside from JACKBOX, we have seen many other products coming onto our portfolio this year, Industrial Buckets, BOPP Sacks and Depot Bags have performed well and in particular we have seen a massive rise in the amount of UN Approved Products that  we supply. Although we stock hold UN Approved FIBC’s we have taken good orders for bespoke bags and also PP sacks & buckets. As mentioned before, a wider range of products will only strengthen our position in this market and this will be the focus in 2015.

So all that’s left to say is a huge ‘Thank You’ to our clients for showing faith in us and also our suppliers for their assistance and support in our quest to be one of the UK’s premier packaging suppliers.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Trevor Bland
Managing Director.