AN expanding Crewe chemical company unveiled plans to invest in new eco-friendly packaging while forecasting new jobs for young people as it celebrated 50 years in business.

Repclif Chemical Services was in the forefront of the war against Covid-19 with its Electrosan Skin and Surface Anti-viral Spray helping thousands to stay safe.

The lifting of lockdown restrictions meant it could mark its milestone today (Friday) with a BBQ party for current and former staff. Crewe Town Mayor Tom Dunlop and Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan were also invited to formally open a new upcycled staff outdoor area built by youngsters gaining work experience with Cheshire East Care Leavers Service and Virtual School.

Repclif MD Ivan Anketell-Clifford outlined the ambitious growth plans of the company, which has its headquarters on Macon Way.

They include a new contract filling and packing plant using 100 per cent Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic tubes and recycled labels.

Repclif's boss said the move towards sustainable packaging was vital and in line with the government's Plastics Pact, designed to reduce the country's reliance on virgin plastic packaging.

He said: "If we can then encourage customers to convert to some of our green chemistry based products, we have the perfect solution to the future of cleaning."

Each eco-friendly tube will contain the equivalent of three recovered plastic shopping bags.

The firm has also pledged to invest in youth with recent actions including taking two young people off production line work to offer them apprenticeships in business administration and digital marketing.

The company has also partnered with Safe Opportunities, a Crewe-based company dedicated to working with and preparing as many young people as possible for employment, apprenticeships and positive outcomes.

Already one young person has been given a role at Repclif after completing a three-month work placement.

"One of our goals is to invest in youth, particularly from the Crewe area. In recent years we have focused on passing on knowledge to the next generation," said Mr Anketell-Clifford.

And he added: "Our growth plans will lead to additional local jobs later in the year and we hope to continue to attract young talented individuals who, with the correct guidance, support and encouragement, will be a great asset and enjoy joining our growth journey."

Repclif Chemical Services Ltd was launched from a small unit in High Street in Sandbach, by chemical engineer Bob Frazer and industrial chemist Doug Holt in July 1971, together with their wives, Sue and Helen.

Doug and Helen have now passed away, but Bob and Sue joined the 50th trading year celebrations and were presented with gifts including a new rose plant, named the Repclif Rose.

Last year, the ownership of the company was passed over to Ivan, Bob and Sue's son-in-law and their daughter Rachael, Ivan's wife.

Repclif, more often recognised by their parent brand, Qualkem, enjoyed a record year in 2020 with its hygiene products helping many businesses navigate safely through the pandemic.

Having previously worked with the Wellcome Foundation, Doug and Bob struck out alone as they recognised a demand for short-run chemical products.

Their first customer was Portaloo with Repclif supplying toilet additives under the Destrol brand.

Land was bought off Macon Way in 1980 to establish the firm's current headquarters.

Qualkem Brands has a comprehensive range of products for markets including camping and caravanning, portable toilets, the boating/marine community, brass instruments and supplying market leading healthcare products into the dental and veterinary sectors.

The MD added: "We celebrated a record year amid one of the most challenging trading periods for the country. The team spirit, commitment and loyalty of our staff was second to none.

"At one point we had a third of staff self-isolating or down with Covid but we did not miss one day's production throughout the year. Even Bob and Sue were labelling Electrosan bottles in their kitchen, just like the good old days when they started out 50 years ago."