Graphic Packaging acquires Walter G Anderson
The transaction, which includes two converting facilities from WG Anderson’s shareholders, is set to close in the first quarter of this year, according to a media release from GPK.
The sheet-fed folding carton converting facilities in question here are located in Hamel, Minnesota, and Newton, Iowa.
Building a bigger business
Graphic Packaging is expanding, by means of this acquisition, to add more clients in more regions and more industries.
"The acquisition of WG Anderson is a continuation of our strategy to grow in attractive geographies and end markets," saysMichael Doss, the company’s president and CEO, in the media release.
He goes on to note that "the addition of these two state-of-the-art converting facilities enhances our leadership position in the key North American food and consumer product markets.”
As part of the deal, WG Anderson’s leaders and staff are joining Graphic. “We are also very pleased to welcome Marc Anderson, President and CEO of WG Anderson, and his highly talented workforce to the Graphic Packaging team," says Doss.
Customer service
Both companies have historically served an array of consumer goods companies, including personal care brands. So the deal combining the two will reach even further into the business.
"We are delighted to join the Graphic Packaging team. Our employees and customers will benefit from this combination,” says Marc Anderson, president and CEO at Walter G. Anderson.
He adds, “our long history of providing our customers with high-quality, value added packaging solutions, speed to market, and a customer focused culture will certainly strengthen Graphic Packaging's global position in the food and consumer product packaging markets," in his statement to the media.
Acquiring minds
Over the past year, several other US personal care and cosmetics packaging companies have seen growth through acquisition too.
Early in 2015, plastic bottle maker Pretium acquired Intertech. And, around the same time Clondalkin SPD was purchased by UK-packager Essentra.
In July, Georgia-based cosmetics and fragrance packager Neenah acquired FiberMark to grow its premium business and bring additional technical capabilities in-house. Late in the year, Berlin Packaging bought Diablo Valley.
