Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) has been recognised at the 2026 Operational Excellence Awards UK for the transformation of its St Helens manufacturing site. Through investment, continuous improvement and a disciplined Operational Excellence programme, the site has evolved into a dedicated manufacturing hub for kp Infinity®, kp's recyclable EPP food packaging solution.

The site was named winner in the Operational Excellence in Manufacturing award category, recognising a multi-year transformation that has combined operational excellence, manufacturing innovation and long-term investment. A site that was once facing significant market and regulatory challenges has been successfully repositioned as a dedicated production centre for kp Infinity®, supporting customers as they transition away from expanded polystyrene (EPS) and towards recyclable food packaging solutions.

The transformation included a multi-million-pound investment in the St Helens facility, alongside the implementation of structured Operational Excellence disciplines, including Total Productive Manufacturing, predictive maintenance, data-driven decision making and continuous improvement programmes. These initiatives have delivered measurable improvements in productivity, quality, reliability and operational resilience while creating a platform for future growth.

David Midgley, Business Excellence Manager UK Trays, at kp said: "We are delighted that the work carried out at St Helens has been recognised by the Operational Excellence Awards. Being named winner in the Manufacturing Excellence category and runner-up in the Green Excellence category is a fantastic achievement for the site and reflects the dedication, expertise and commitment of our teams, who have helped transform the site into a more efficient, resilient and future-ready manufacturing operation."

"The decision to establish St Helens as a dedicated manufacturing hub for kp Infinity® was a strategic investment in both our business and for our customers. By bringing together operational excellence, innovation and continuous improvement, we have created a strong platform for sustainable growth while helping customers respond to changing regulatory and market requirements."

Today, the St Helens site plays a central role in the production of kp Infinity®, a recyclable mono-material EPP packaging solution developed to align with UK recycling infrastructure while maintaining the performance required for foodservice applications. The site's transformation demonstrates how Operational Excellence can support innovation, strengthen manufacturing capability and deliver long-term value for customers, employees and the wider business.

The Operational Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding organisational performance across the UK and Ireland, recognising businesses that demonstrate excellence in areas including manufacturing, sustainability, continuous improvement and operational performance.