Exeter based global innovator Packexe, now in its 30th year, is the first business to make a major donation to Exeter Cathedral’s new development appeal.
Founded in 1989 by CEO Andrew Orchard, the Exeter-based company has introduced game-changing technologies and developed a comprehensive range of market-leading self-adhesive protection film products and rescue products. Along with continued growth in the UK market, Packexe now exports its products to 54 countries across the world.
Innovation is a word that springs to mind when thinking of those medieval Stonemasons when they set about building the Cathedral in Exeter; an amazing accomplishment that has come to us down through the ages, cared for by each generation in turn. Today we all share the task of ensuring that we keep our amazing Cathedral in good order.
The Dean, the Very Rev Jonathan Greener, said: “We are about to embark on a major development project to raise funds to make our Cathedral brighter and more welcoming to improve the visitor experience, repair the ancient fabric and safeguard our music tradition. We will not be able to do this without support from the business community and we are grateful to count Andrew Orchard, CEO and Founder of Packexe as a significant supporter.
“To mark Packexe’s 30th birthday, Andrew has generously decided to donate a tremendous sum of £30,000. This is an amazing donation to kick off our fundraising efforts in 2019 and one for which we are very grateful.”
Throughout the last three decades, Packexe has influenced a variety of industries and delivered a host of significant projects. In 2016 their detail to quality was recognised when they received the Royal Warrant in recognition of the Royal Household’s use of Packexe.
When asked to comment on his act of generosity, Packexe CEO Andrew Orchard said: “I have been fortunate to work alongside Exeter Cathedral for a number of years and the projects we have undertaken in partnership with the Cathedral team, have made them a part of the Packexe history.
“2019 marks an exciting year for the company and I wanted to celebrate this great milestone and, at the same time, give back to those that have made getting here possible. The Cathedral fits the bill perfectly. As Exeter’s most significant landmark, we’re delighted our donation of £30,000 will help to maintain its life and heritage. We hope other local businesses will follow our lead and feel encouraged to lend their support.”
Jill Taylor, the Director of Development said the company’s support of the Cathedral dated back many years. “Never one to shrink from a technical challenge, I first sought Andrew’s help when the Cathedral Library needed protecting from building work. Andrew considered the problem and devised an innovative solution to use the Packexe product to seal the library. This saved the Cathedral a considerable expense.”
“From that point the relationship has continued, culminating in this amazing donation of £30,000. We are very grateful to Andrew and to the team at Packexe. Andrew’s success as an innovator of today will, we hope, encourage others who have built successful careers to join in the appeal and in so doing ensure the Cathedral will not only continue to thrive but be in better order for the generation who come after us.”