SHARP Interpack, the rigid plastic packaging company previously known as M.Y. Plastics, has committed a further £3 million to increasing the production capacity at its factory in Aylesham, near Dover.

The company took delivery of a new TFT 750 in May plus another in August in order to satisfy increased demand for its in-store bakery, salad bar and other bespoke products.

Demand for Sharp's high clarity polypropylene packs for fresh produce and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) polypropylene trays for meat and poultry packs has also soared in recent months.

As a result, the company will take delivery of a giant sized in-line polypropylene extruder and thermoformer in December.

The machine will be up and running by January 2003 and, with a production capacity of more than twice that of one of the existing Bellaplast lines, will work alongside the existing three Bellaplast machines.