Continuing investment in staff development

Investment in staff training and development has led to leading packaging machinery manufacturer Packaging Automation retaining its Investors in People status - first achieved over four years ago

On-going investment in staff training and development has led to leading packaging machinery manufacturer Packaging Automation retaining its Investors in People status - which it first achieved over four years ago.

The award recognises the PA on-going commitment to develop and involve staff in improving the business, which has recently undergone changes to its production methods to ensure responsiveness, efficiency and the best possible service for customers.

Thousands of UK companies have already undertaken the assessment and are enjoying the benefits which the Investors in People organisation says investing in staff can bring - including increased productivity and boosted morale, greater customer satisfaction, and improved profitability.

A nationally recognised standard, it provides a framework for improving business performance and competitiveness through good practice in HR development.

At Packaging Automation, a number of key strengths were identified during the on-site review which took place last month.

These included mentoring and support for staff, in particular apprentices, as well as an ethos of internal promotion maximising the potential of individuals within the company.

The review also highlighted the strength of the rigorous PA business plan for the next two-year period which clearly outlines the strategic development needs of the business, helping to set the priorities for staff development.

Recent developments in working practices and a new customer service programme were praised by the assessors and highlighted as aspects of the business which were showing significant impacts in improving both the business and the skills of its employees.

Commenting, the Packaging Automation managing director Carol Royle said: "Achieving and maintaining the standards necessary for Investors in People status shows that a business is committed to its staff in the long term - recognising their value as individuals and their on-going contribution to the business.

We are delighted to have passed the reassessment successfully to maintain our IIP status and equally pleased that our staff recognise the value of their own development and their vital contribution to the on-going success of the business".

Packaging Automation, based in Knutsford, Cheshire, is one of the UK's leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of tray sealing and filling and sealing equipment for food products such as ready meals, prepared fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, sauces, soups and desserts as well as non food products including cleaning creams and polishes, cosmetics, household goods and medical devices.

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