AN OSWESTRY firm is celebrating a quarter of a century in business.

In that time, Agritel Packaging Supplies has become a leading supplier of quality packaging goods across the region and beyond, serving many industries and forming a loyal customer base through exceptional customer service.

Established in 1997, John Duffus and family founded the company to provide the agricultural industry with wrap and twine. However, after four successful years, the agricultural sector was hit hard by the 2001 foot and mouth crisis and saw Agritel take the strategic decision to diversify into selling industrial packaging alongside their existing offering.

Agritel continued to take vast strides in shaping the way it worked for its customers. The company boasted an ever-growing portfolio of new packaging products and waste recycling machinery, beginning with pallet wrap and pallet wrapping machines. In 2010, Agritel launched its e-commerce site – agritelonline.co.uk, at the time, a very innovative way of enabling customers to purchase packaging products quickly and easily at the lowest possible price.

By 2019, the family-run business had a new home for its team on the Gledrid Industrial Park. This new facility offered modern offices, a welcoming base for visiting customers, and a warehouse more suitable for their ever-expanding business. Furthermore, it allowed Agritel to strengthen its position as an importer of packaging products and manage UK distribution for several notable European and International Manufacturers.

Rob Duffas, John’s son, who is now at the helm, said: “As the second generation of my family to run this business, it gives me great pride to reach our 25th year. The business continues to have the same objectives as when it was established; to offer good quality products at competitive prices while taking a long-term approach to customer relationships.”

He added: “We have some fantastic businesses in the region. We consider it a privilege to continue to serve many of them - their success and growth have contributed to our own. Supporting local owner-managed businesses has never been so important, and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us.”