A CRICKLADE-based specialist packaging company has adopted Swindon Foodbank as their charity.

The arrangement between the charity and GWP Packaging will see the business assist the Foodbank with a range of logistical activity.

It will include inventory management and stock control, IT and electrical expertise, as well as storage and transport of stock.

Foodbanks across the country have seen a sharp increase in demand since changes to the benefits system were introduced. As a result of the higher demand, the charity’s warehouse and distribution system needs to be more efficient.

Ruth Cook, the managing director of GWP Packaging, said: “We partnered with Foodbank last year when we worked with Swindon College students to help them design a warehouse box for the charity. “I was very surprised to discover the scale of the Foodbank operation, and to learn that they support so many local individuals and families a year. “We decided to explore ways in which we could assist Foodbank and soon realised that our expertise in running a just-in-time warehouse and manufacturing facility will be of enormous help to them.”

The Swindon Foodbank has already benefited from its new agreement with GWP. When the warehouse at Westlea required some electrical improvements, GWP’s own electricians, Barry Cuss and Chris Ricketts, spent six days at the warehouse carrying out the work. Parts for the improvements were donated by R & H Electrical in Swindon.

David Hartridge, the project manager at Swindon Foodbank said: “We were delighted when GWP asked us what else they could do to help. “GWP’s new warehouse boxes are invaluable and have made stock handling so much easier. “Being a packaging business they have so much expertise with inventory management and stock control and combined with an agreement to let us use their warehouses to store excess stock at peak times, this arrangement is going to be of a great deal of help to us.”

For more information about Swindon Foodbank visit www.

swindonfoodbank.co.uk.