The Encore Group, a UK-based printing and packaging company, has acquired Heritage Envelopes, a fellow envelope manufacturer based in Blackburn. The deal is expected to secure existing jobs and potentially create more than 20 new positions at Encore’s sites in Washington and Dewsbury.
Heritage Envelopes was previously owned by German company Mayer-Kuvert-network and will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Encore. David Cooper, Encore Group’s managing director, said the acquisition would strengthen production capacity across the business. “Bringing Heritage into the group allows us to improve operational efficiencies and sustain service levels for customers,” Mr Cooper stated.
The acquisition follows Encore’s 2023 purchase of a new logistics facility in Peterlee, County Durham, as part of ongoing efforts to meet rising demand. The company employs more than 300 people and has been operating for over 40 years.
According to Encore, current customer and supplier arrangements at Heritage will continue without disruption. However, Heritage’s former managing director, Mark Sears, will not continue with the envelope business but will remain with Mayer Group, focusing on its other UK operation, Bestpac, which manufactures paper bags.
Mr Sears noted that the deal benefits both companies. He commented: “It allows Mayer to focus on Bestpac’s development while enabling Encore to expand its envelope production in a competitive market.”
This acquisition follows Encore’s previous purchase of Great Northern Envelopes, a transaction that preserved over 50 jobs and supported the company’s growth in Yorkshire.
