Today we operate across multiple sites in the UK, and are known for our familiar market-leading brand names including Whisper, Essentials, Leonardo Dispensing, North Shore, Optimum ProWipers, Perform and Optimum Professional.
We manufacture the paper products that make a real difference to those working across a number of sectors including education, leisure, food & catering, commercial, industrial and healthcare.
Follow our journey below to see how Northwood is growing to be the preferred supply chain partner for key organisations involved in the disposable paper and tissue industries.
The story begins…
Paul Fecher establishes Northwood Paper Sales focussing on the supply of parent reels for the tissue sector.
For 30 years the Fecher family grows the business organically, becoming the UK’s largest independent paper agent and supplier.
Kruger welcomed to the family
Kruger Tissue’s UK operations acquired including a recycled tissue mill and converting plant. The sites were re-christened as Connect Hygiene and Disley tissue.
Acquisition of Ashley Recycling (waste reclamation)
Guaranteeing a supply of high quality recycled waste paper for Northwood’s mill facilities. The business became Northwood Recycling.
Acquisition of Peter Grant Papers
Bringing an additional mill and converting plant in the group and prompts the establishment of Northwood Logistics.
Joint venture acquisition of Georgia Pacific Paper Mill acquired (with Wepa)
Adding a fully integrated tissue mill and converting plant to the group’s assets.
Creation of Northwood Tissue
The two former Connect Hygiene and Peter Grant Mills in Lancaster and Disley are renamed.
Creation of Northwood Hygiene Products
Connect Hygiene and Peter Grant businesses are fully integrated under the new name. The new business is third in the market by size and turnover.
Acquisition of Disposables UK
Bringing a portfolio of market leading brands into the group including Optimum Professional, and Optimum Prowipers.
Move to new HQ in Telford
Providing more space for the group’s growing team and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Acquisition of Midland Paper Products Ltd
Further extending Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd’s product offering to the away-from-home market.
Acquisition of Freedom Paper Products Ltd
Opening new opportunities in the cash ‘n’ carry retail markets.
Two new Gambini converting lines installed in Telford
State of the art new production technology bringing huge efficiency benefits and volume capacity.
Sale of 50% Share in Northwood & Wepa
Acquisition of KPP Ltd
Further extending Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd’s product offering to the away-from-home market.
Acquisition of Dicepa Papelera in Enate, Spain as well as the trade and assets of the converting plant of Manipa in Madrid
Bringing additional recycled paper production as well as giving the wider Northwood Group fresh access to the markets in Spain and mainland Europe.
Acquisition of Matryx Converting & Tissue Mill
Bringing additional valued recycled tissue production and converting capacity to the Northwood production platform, as well as further extending Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd’s product offering to the away-from-home market.
Opened Northwood Distribution Centre
Further expanding Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd’s warehouse capability for away-from-home market.
Acquisition of a significant share of Consuma Paper Products
Opening new opportunities into the retail market.
