OEE Container Technology Limited (OEE), members of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, was founded in 2018 by Bruce and Susan Jones. Since inception they have since achieved significant and sustained growth internationally, recently achieving a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade. 

They have expanded their global footprint by opening a new office in the UAE in 2023 and have successfully completed projects in 12 countries, with the capacity to serve over 30.  

OEE provides engineering services to the packaging manufacturing industry. They specialise in beverage cans and ends, food cans and ends, and packaging equipment; an industry that is growing significantly due to the demand for sustainable packaging solutions.  

In their first year of operation, they turned over £379k serving the UK, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. During the pandemic they gained global market share, as competitors were unable to offer their services to the same extent due to restrictions. This dedication and resilience have not gone unnoticed, and its what sets OEE apart as a global player in the packaging industry. 

OEE have built an internationally scalable business model which has allowed them to expand into new markets easily, and with a new office in the UAE, they will focus on developing their business in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Asia-Pacific regions.  

Currently, their top five export countries are:  

1. USA (13%) 
2. UAE (12%)
3. Austria (10.5%) 
4. Germany (9%)
5. Saudi Arabia (6%)

OEE’s turnover has doubled year-on-year since inception, and they forecast it to reach £4m in 2023. 

OEE’s success is based on their ability to create a diverse and skilled team. They employ 10 full-time staff in the UK and over 30 highly skilled contracted engineers from the UK, Europe, Australia, Philippines, Thailand, and India. They have an exceptionally talented and diverse team that can offer services across the world, avoiding language barriers and cultural differences. OEE continues to invest in its workforce by employing, training, and growing it in line with increasing demands in the industry. 

OEE prioritises excellence and nurtures relationships with major packaging producers such as Crown, Ardagh, and Ball, amongst others with a global presence. OEE is continuously innovating its offerings to align with industry advancements, such as assisting customers in implementing automation, and more sustainable manufacturing methods. Exporting is key to their overall objective, as the profits earned from these projects can be given back to their local community in Carlisle and used to hire and train more staff locally. 

OEE’s total overseas sales have increased by 199% in the last 3 years, totalling £1,230,500 in 2022. By leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), OEE has been able to take advantage of the ease of access to international countries. They have further used the internationalisation fund, attended trade shows, partnered with complimentary businesses, engaged in CSR activities, and leveraged social media, to expand their reach and increase their market share. 

In conclusion, OEE has already become a leading player in the global packaging industry in its five years of operation, and deserves recognition as a global player due to their significant and sustained growth internationally.