This week’s #MadeInSandwell focus falls on historic local cardboard engineering firm N.Smith & Co Limited.

With over 115 years of history and experience in the packaging market, N.Smith & Co is an expert in providing its customers with the best possible service. The company delivers high quality custom packaging and display solutions at affordable costs.

From standard packaging to full point of sale (POS) display, and printed signage solutions, N.Smith & Co is a one-stop shop for anything cardboard. Its products can regularly be seen in Aldi, Morrisons, Homebase, Asda, Lidl, B&Q, Sainsburys, Wickes and Tesco.

Amongst other sectors, it provides products to the food and pharmaceutical industries and has continued manufacturing throughout the Covid-19 crisis in a secure environment by installing many safety features.

As other industries have emerged from lockdown and the restricted measures placed upon them, business has increased for N.Smith & Co, enabling it to take on six new employees recently. Its total number of staff is now higher than pre-crisis numbers.

The company’s mission is to help its clients utilise the versatility of cardboard and other substrates to bring their brands and products closer to their target markets. From basic corrugated cardboard boxes to free standing display units, it designs, develops and delivers products tailored to each client’s marketing, brand and budget constraints.

Now based in Oldbury, N.Smith & Co started its life in central Birmingham way back in 1901, when a young entrepreneur spotted a gap in the market servicing the local nuts and bolts industry with solid board boxes and lids.

Incorporated in 1922, the firm was passed down through the founding family over several decades and due to the need for expansion moved to Sandwell in the mid-1950s, where descendants of the original owner continued to run it.

Today, the company is still privately owned – although not by the original family – and has a diverse but loyal workforce largely from Sandwell, with a good mix of both youth and experience. It is proud to have one employee who has worked for the business for nearly 55 years and has no intention of retiring yet!

Over recent decades it has dramatically increased its product range and intends future growth through further expansion next year with large scale investment in machine and material handlings systems.

The company is also committed to the environment. It works with its clients to keep packaging to a necessary minimum and uses products and manufacturing techniques that minimise impact on the environment.

Its recyclable products help organisations reduce their carbon footprint and increase recycling credentials for both them and their customers.

The current directors are proud to be the custodians of such a long-established company with so much local history and say they will continue to invest heavily in modern plant and cutting-edge technology to ensure future growth.

#MadeInSandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #MadeInSandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.