CCS McLays has announced the successful acquisition of a controlling interest in Dempson, a leading UK-based manufacturer of paper bags and packaging products based in Maidstone, Kent.
A milestone in growth strategy
The acquisition marks a significant step in CCS McLays’ growth strategy, creating a powerful combination of end-to-end consumables provision and strengthened presence in the food and retail packaging sectors. CCS McLays aims to double the capacity and sales at Dempson whilst taking the overall CCS McLays group from a turnover of ~£100m to £150m within three years.
Founded in 1948, Dempson has become one of the UK’s most innovative bag manufacturers, offering one of the widest product ranges in the carrier bag industry. Over decades, the company has built a reputation for sustainability and innovation, making it a natural partner for CCS McLays. Both companies have collaborated successfully on multiple projects and Dempson will continue to operate autonomously within the CCS Group.
Leadership and team continuity
Dempson’s Managing Director Jon Katzauer will carry on in his role to oversee the Dempson operation. All members of the Dempson team will continue in their positions, ensuring continuity for customers. Plans are in place to invest in new machinery and recruit additional skilled operatives to support the growing customer base and increasing demand for innovative packaging solutions.
The combined £94 million-revenue CCS McLays business, led by Founder and CEO, Ian Hall, will employ ~230 people and support over 300 customers. Dempson will remain as autonomous within the CCS Group, retaining its clients for direct supply as Dempson, or offering them a consolidation solution for all packaging through CCS McLays. Dempson is the second business to join the CCS Group, following TPSG Procurement in 2024. Its multi-skilled teams will help the company seize new market opportunities driven by increasing global demand for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.
Operational capabilities
Dempson’s Kent-based factory will enable CCS McLays to accelerate direct delivery to markets such as the US. Dempson’s skilled machinery operatives will ensure the high standard of manufacturing, which is expected by customers worldwide, to time and budget. The acquisition process was supported by independent advisory firm Quantuma, and leading legal advisers HCR Law, ensuring a smooth and strategic transition.
Combining strengths for innovation and growth
Ian Hall, CEO at CCS McLays, said: “By joining forces with Dempson, we can significantly expand the manufacture and supply of packaging supplies for our customers in the UK, Europe, and globally. Dempson stood out for its AA+ BRCGS accreditation and long-standing industry expertise. The team also shares our strong commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices, which allows us to innovate faster and offer tailored, cost-effective solutions to our clients.”
Jon Katzauer, Managing Director at Dempson, added: “We are excited to blend our decades of paper-based manufacturing expertise with CCS McLays’ scale and experience in the goods-not-for-resale sector. The partnership allows us to maintain our specialist focus while accelerating the delivery of innovative, client-focused solutions, providing custom packaging faster, more efficiently, and at a larger scale for both existing and new customers.”
Sean Bucknall, Managing Director at Quantuma, commented: “The acquisition strengthens CCS McLays’ organic growth and positions the group as a global leader in the goods-not-for-resale market. Dempson’s innovation capabilities and sustainability credentials will act as a catalyst for future growth, and we are excited to see the combined potential of both businesses unfold.”
Looking ahead
The acquisition reinforces CCS McLays’ commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and delivering high-quality packaging and consumables solutions across the retail and hospitality industries. Together, CCS McLays and Dempson bring decades of combined expertise and a shared vision for innovation, efficiency, and responsible business practices, ensuring customers benefit from high calibre packaging solutions.