Beamglow has been at the forefront of carton manufacturing and innovation for almost six decades, building a reputation for quality, reliability and forward-thinking design.
Established in 1966, the company has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of customers across a wide range of industries. From its roots as a family-run business, Beamglow has grown into a respected global supplier of packaging, combining technical expertise with a strong commitment to customer service.
Throughout its history, the company has embraced innovation while maintaining the values and craftsmanship that define its heritage. Today, Beamglow continues to invest in sustainable growth, advanced technologies and long-term partnerships, ensuring it remains a trusted name for future generations. Its journey reflects a proud legacy of resilience, progress and dedication to excellence.
1966
Beamglow is born – Alan Arkley builds a purpose-built factory for Folding Carton Printing.
3 single colour presses (Heidelberg Cylinders).
1970’s
Wayne Bellchamber, current Operations Director, joins in 1974. He designed the logo at school and won the competition. The logo can be seen on the original building and Lorry.
Production office and design room extension.
Branched out into Cosmetics and Fragrances.
Turnover is now in excess of £1 million – 80% growth.
1980’s
Won 2 silver stars in Starpax Awards for work done for MaxFactor and Yardley.
3 new printing machines added: 540/440/426, one of the first UK companies to install Komori Lithrones.
Huw Roberts, current CEO, joins 1982.
Kirsten Jeffs current Chairperson joins 1988.
Beamglow is now running 24 hours to meet demands.
The number of employees hits 146.
New customers including Gillette and Elida Gibbs.
1990’s
Adrian Brown, current Financial Director joins.
1st double coater unit installed.
Gluing hall extended.
Beauty and cosmetic work soared, brands including: Cerruti, Elizabeth Arden, L’oreal, 5th Avenue.
Awarded a Gibbons & Coatings Award for cartons + packaging for: Elizabeth Arden, Almay, Carven Paris and Cerruti.
2000’s
Komori 7 col, 7 cols and 2 coaters.
Sadly, we lost Alan Arkley in June 2006; his daughter Kirsten carries on his legacy.
2010’s
2 new printing machines: Komori LSX and KBA (new to Beamglow).
Two Duo Presses installed
Two Duo Presses installed, the first in the UK capable of carrying out two processes in a single pass.
Premium drinks market soared.
2020’s
BOBST MasterFoil installed
MasterFoil installed, bringing greater precision and speed to our hot foil stamping and embossing capabilities.
Cold foil installed, very few in the UK.
Purpose built print hall, Beamglow’s latest extension.
Heidelberg installed (new to Beamglow).
BOBST Expertcut installed
Cutting upgraded with BOBST Expertcut technology, using Power Register for precise cut-to-print registration, with cutting and waste stripping completed in-line.
Paul Mallinson joins Beamglow’s Board as Non-Executive Director
Steve Jeffs, current COO joins 2025.
Olivia Jeffs. Current Marketing and Technical Assistant join 2025 (making it our 3rd generation).
Robotic packing machines added on gluing lines. One is named Big Al’ in honour of Alan Arkley (founder).
A new Board of Directors is appointed, bringing fresh leadership and a shared vision to guide Beamglow into its next chapter.
