For more than three decades, Cedesa has been at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the manufacturing industry. From humble beginnings at Letchworth's historic Chater Lea building, Cedesa has evolved to lead the way in the development of chemical packaging solutions and the manufacture of chemical products.

So, how did we get here?

 

Formed in a management buyout from Loctite in 1988, we have continuously adapted our processes to embrace new technologies and the evolving needs of our customers, supplying on an own-brand or unlabelled basis to many of the best-known businesses in the UK and global marketplace, both industrial and retail.

From day one we’ve sought flexibility and control over the entire production process, allowing us to offer efficient, tailor-made packaging solutions that complement an increasingly diverse product range.

 

The pursuit of excellence

Our search for self-sufficiency took a leap forward in 2007 with our investment in box-making equipment, enabling us to manufacture our own packaging from our Letchworth site.

Our faster lead times caught the notice of new and existing clients, and with demand soon outstripping capacity, we focused on expansion between 2011 and 2014. We added more than 7,000 square feet to our premises, followed by a purpose-built warehouse and new manufacturing unit, increasing our scope to produce various products in-house.

The ability to print our own labels followed in 2015, as did cutting edge ERP software and more recently paperless documentation technology and a warehouse barcoding system. Before long, shop floor data capture software was allowing us to harness real-time data for better decision-making.

Every one of these investments was designed to reduce overheads and introduce savings that we in turn passed on to our clients.

 

An invigorated team

In perhaps the greatest transition for the business, 2020 saw the retirement of our founder Norman Wildon, and the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) model. Norman was a true leading light and his entrepreneurial spirit is woven into everything we have done since.

The shift to an EOT model reaffirmed our commitment to our employees. Our team is the engine that drives Cedesa, and by granting them a stake in the success of the business they each have a voice in guiding its direction of travel.

Investment switched to manufacturing capabilities once again in 2022, with new tube filler and putty cutter technologies granting the business further efficiencies by the end of the year.

 

Looking to the future

Over the span of 35 years, Cedesa's journey has been defined by innovation, adaptation and a drive to excel. Our products can be found in household names across the globe and our achievements have helped to shape and define the industry.

We are immensely proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the support of our customers, partners, and employees. We continue to work with blue-chip companies and major brands in their search to provide their clients with ever-more innovative solutions.

And as we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering exceptional products and services, embracing sustainability, and continually striving for excellence.

Here's to another 35 years of success, growth, and making a positive impact in the world of manufacturing.