The WEPA Group was founded in 1948 as “Westfälische Papierfabrik” in Arnsberg, Germany; first as a trading company, later as a processing plant. Since 1958, WEPA has had a successful track record in the production of hygienic paper.
With the step into becoming a paper producer came the start of WEPA’s rise in becoming one of the three leading European hygiene paper manufacturers. As a result of expansion and investment, all WEPA locations have state-of-the-art manufacturing technology to produce modern hygiene paper for a variety of consumer needs.
Part of the global family-owned WEPA Group, WEPA UK manufactures high-quality household paper products for the UK and Ireland.
Backed by its global parent brand, WEPA UK is an established leader in the UK and Ireland household paper markets, with major retailers forming part of its enviable, long-term client base.
WEPA UK has more than 300 employees across two main sites in the UK; Bolton, where it runs its commercial operation, and its paper mill and converting facility in Bridgend, South Wales.
Read more about the WEPA philosophy, our locations and get an overview of all our facts and figures.
Founded as a wholesaler for desk, envelope and gift wrap paper
Start of paper processing
First paper machine, start of paper production and continuous organic growth
Development of the first private labels
Focus on private labels, acquisition of the Kriebstein/Saxony site
Europeanisation of trade – development of European supply capacity, new locations in Ejea (JV in ES), Piechowice (PL) and Mainz (DE)
Acquisition of the assets of an Italian company competitor in Lucca, Cassino (both IT), Lille (FR) and Leuna (DE)
Acquisition of the site in Wales (JV in UK)
Sale of shares in JV in Ejea (ES), acquisition of a site in Troyes (FR)
Acquisition of a Dutch family business and AfH specialist located in Swalmen (NL)
Acquisition of a site in Château-Thierry (FR) for the production of de-inked pulp
Expansion of the plant in Kriebstein (DE) in the area of fibre processing
Acquisition of a family business in the AfH segment, located in Blackburn (UK)