Avonmouth-based packaging, logistic and engineering company IES has been approved for the prestigious Military Packager Approval Scheme (MPAS) by the Ministry of Defence.
IES is the first company in the country to secure MPAS through the route of gaining approval from scratch, rather than being transferred over from the MoD’s previous packaging approval scheme.
MPAS has been awarded to only 26 other companies nationally which meet the MoD’s stringent standards that certify them to package goods for the defence industry.
The company provides logistics and engineering services ranging from single machine moves to whole factory relocations.
To gain MPAS, IES packer Piotr Strug undertook various stages of training and assessment. This included intensive online training, then a five-day expert course culminating in a series of practical exams.
Meanwhile, IES implemented new ISO 9000 management processes, audited by an MoD-approved external certification body Lloyds Registered Quality Assurance (LRQA).
IES has been involved with the export packing business since 1991, supplying blue-chip companies such as Rolls Royce, GE and Intel.
It grew turnover by 66% to £7.5m last year and expanded staffing from 31 to 45 people.
Sales director Matt Boyd said: “It is extremely important for our business that we have secured the MPAS registration and certification from the MoD.
“It will open up a whole new area of business for us and we are confident that we will win some big contracts, which will have a positive impact, both on the local economy and us. We are forecasting high growth over the next three years and predict more recruitment will be needed to help us carry out the extra work required.
“There are numerous companies in the South West who supply parts to the MoD and they all need a packaging supplier who has this essential MPAS registration.”
Pictured, from left: Matt Boyd, sales director IES, Piotr Strug, packer at IES, and Bob Deary, MoD
