We are now mid-way through the year, and this one is a momentous one for plastics company, Cromwell Polythene.
As well as introducing some sustainability focused new products, and supporting the crisis organisation Insulate Ukraine, Cromwell are also celebrating the milestone achievement of 40 years in business.
Founded in 1983 by 20-year-old James Lee, the polythene bag manufacturer and supplier has grown from the 1 man-band working from home to the company it is today, with 80 employees, across 2 sites.
The Yorkshire based company gained its routes from a back garden setting in Tockwith, near York, having just a few contacts within the plastic recycling sector. Now in 2023, Cromwell are in their 3rd purpose-built building based on a busy and thriving industrial estate in Sherburn in Elmet, East-Leeds, with James now being a very well-known figure in the industry and Cromwell being a leader in their sector.
After 4 decades, James will be taking the role of Chairman and handing the reins over to his youngest son, Henry, opening the doors to a new generation for Cromwell Polythene. Having a wealth of experience working alongside his father throughout his adolescence, Henry officially joined the company in 2015.
Throughout his time at Cromwell, Henry has worked his way up through the ranks of the sales department before taking on the new role as Managing Director. After close discussions with directors and shareholders, the decision for Henry to take on the role of was unanimous, and the young MD began his new position on May 1st 2023.
James won’t be too far from the action however, as his new focus will be on external factors within the waste management and recycling industry. Keeping well-informed on the many changes and challenges within the industry and feeding this information back to the team of directors. Ensuring Cromwell and their customers are always well-prepared. Henry, who has worked for the company for almost a decade, will be driving the success of the business with the support of the directors team, including two older brothers, Angus (Operations) and Alex Lee (Commercial), and recently appointed Financial Director, Michelle Reynolds. The rejuvenated directors’ team have exciting plans for the family business, including new product innovations, expanding their market sectors, and further supporting plans for a circular economy. With new government reforms emerging in the coming years, Cromwell are ready to dig their teeth into them and expand their offerings to support customers, existing and new .
A very exciting future lies ahead for polythene film and bag manufacturer Cromwell, and the company shows no signs of slowing down! Congratulations to Henry, and Happy 40th Anniversary to Cromwell. What successes will another 40 years in business bring?
