James Hamilton Group

About James Hamilton Group

The story begins in the 1920s in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, when founder James Hamilton started James Hamilton & Co. (Lurgan) Ltd. . The initial business focused on selling wrapping papers and twine, primarily serving the local linen industry. . As the linen trade declined in the 1960s, the company pivoted, expanding into commercial printing and general food packaging to adapt to the changing market. . Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the group continued to diversify. It added office stationery in 1973 and established sister companies for office supplies, hygiene products, and industrial components like bearings and belts in the 1980s and 90s. . This strategy of building out different divisions, including print, packaging, and label solutions, allowed the company to serve a wide range of sectors from retail and food production to logistics. . Now in its third generation, the Hamilton family, including Managing Director Keith Hamilton and director Alan Hamilton, oversaw its growth. . A significant chapter in the company's history was written in June 2023. . After a century of family ownership, the James Hamilton Group was acquired by Zeus Group, a large Irish-owned packaging company. . The acquisition was a key part of Zeus's growth strategy, aiming to surpass €500 million in revenue. . Despite the acquisition, James Hamilton Group continues to operate under its own brand from its Lurgan headquarters, with its management team remaining in place. .