Cross praises efforts of colleagues and staff for OBE

Delta Packaging founder Terry Cross has said he has been humbled by the award of an OBE is the New Year's Honours.

The entreprenuer whose west Belfast based printing business now spans the globe said the award would not have been possible were it not for a culmination of shared effort, drive, ambition and professionalism.

“As such, I am accepting the award on behalf of all directors and staff, the support of this close family, without whom this would not have been possible. I also want to thank them all for their ongoing commitment and dedication.

“Delta is a multi-million pound global business employing hundreds of people at a high-tech Kennedy Way, Belfast manufacturing plant in what once was one of the most economically deprived pockets in Europe.

“Collectively we have made significant progress and it gives me great personal satisfaction to see the positive working environment established by Delta Packaging.”

Founded in 1981, Delta Packaging produces one and a half billion food cartons a year for fast-food giant McDonald’s among its many multinational clients. The portfolio includes household names and world leading companies such as KFC, Kelloggs, United Biscuits, Bakkavor and Greiner group.

The company also pays nearly £8m a year in wages, benefitting the wider Northern Ireland economy and is heavily aware of the positive cross community job creation and responsible investment opportunity that this involves.

“We are committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation within the sector and we are investing in skills development and technology to ensure that we maintain our position,” said Mr Cross.

“Delta has enjoyed year-on-year growth for the last 10 years with turnover last year topping £50m. The plan is to grow turnover to £100m over the next four years between Belfast and Poland.”