Freeman takes over from Trevithick at Rigid

Rigid Containers, the UK based corrugated packaging division of privately owned Belgian group VPK, has appointed Julian Freeman as sales director, following Chris Trevithick’s “earlier than anticipated” retirement.

Julian Freeman is no stranger to the packaging industry. He spent 16 years in the corrugated industry, with companies such as Amcor, Mondi and Boxes & Packaging. He has held several key positions within the sector, notably as a sales manager, but most recently as MD of a high profile sheet plant. Looking for a move into high-end graphics, Freeman left the corrugated industry and spent the last 18 months as sales director, UK and Ireland, for Chesapeake’s Pharma and Healthcare businesses, focussing on folding cartons, leaflets and labels.

“I am excited to be coming back to corrugated, having learnt a great deal about high quality graphics from the folding carton sector,” comments Freeman. “Rigid has really made a strong mark on the industry and I am looking forward to taking over the reins from Chris and assist the company in its continuing drive for growth.”

“Julian is an excellent addition to the team,” comments Coward, (no stranger to the folding carton industry himself, having joined Rigid from the carton sector, where he was MD of a large multi-national). “With our on-going investments in high quality flexo converting machines, we are positioning ourselves to become a leading supplier of high quality, flexo post printed corrugated solutions for the UK market. Julian’s understanding of decorative graphics is sure to help us expand into this growing sector.”

“Chris worked for Rigid Containers for well over a decade, joining the company in a consultancy capacity prior to VPK’s acquisition of the business,” explains Richard Coward, MD. “Once VPK completed the purchase, Chris was then appointed to the position of sales and marketing director in a full-time capacity.
“During his tenure, the company has doubled its turnover, thanks to his hard work and foresight. Following this long and successful period with the company, Chris has decided that it is an opportune time to take early retirement. He will continue to serve in a consultancy capacity over the next month or so, to affect a smooth hand over to Julian.
“Personally, and on behalf of the owners and his colleagues at Rigid, I would like to wish Chris all the best for a happy and healthy retirement.”

About Rigid
Also a major manufacturer of high volume transit cases, Rigid Containers Ltd is part of the Belgian integrated group, VPK. Rigid currently operates two strategically located, state-of-the-art manufacturing, warehousing and logistics facilities in the UK. These are based in Desborough and Selby. Parent company VPK Packaging is one of Europe’s fastest-growing independent manufacturers of recycled papers and corrugated cases and, apart from Rigid, also operates plants in Belgium, Holland, France, Poland and Romania.

1 August 2010 - Felicity Murray