Richard Craddock becomes the new Managing Director of Sencon UK, taking over the company after the retirement of his father, Paul Craddock, who is stepping down from daily management after 38 years at the helm. Richard brings more than 20 years of experience within the company and promises to bring new ideas and strengthen Sencon’s presence in the metal packaging sector.
Paul Craddock founded the British subsidiary of Sencon in 1987, developing a strategic center for sales, service, and technical support for customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Prior to this, he gained international experience at Metal Box, working in the United States, South Africa, and Singapore.
Sencon’s British plant, established by Paul, has become a benchmark facility for the production of can gauges and as a base for the company’s global customer network.
This leadership change comes at a significant time, as the group prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. Founded in Illinois in 1976 by Winston Shields, Sencon Inc. is currently led by his son Eric Shields, who continues his father’s legacy of engineering and vision.
To commemorate this date, the company has planned significant innovations, product launches, and global celebrations, including its participation in Metpack 2026, the leading international metal packaging trade fair in Essen, Germany.
