Photo Credit: Alpla Group Austrian plastic packaging and recycling specialist Alpla Group has established a new injection molding division called AlplaInject. “By strategically concentrating all injection molding expertise and capacity under this brand, [we are] increasing efficiency, speeding up the market launch of new products and unlocking new market segments,” company officials said in a May 16 news release. The new division comprises a total of three core technologies – injection molding, injection blow molding, and compression molding– as well as global toolmaking, development, and sa ..read more

Hugues Simon. Photo Credit: CNW Group/Cascades Canada ULC. Canada-based packaging supplier Cascades Inc. has a new president and CEO. The company, which is headquartered in Kingsey Falls, Que., has named Hugues Simon to the role effective July 1, following the retirement of outgoing head Mario Plourde. After more than 11 years at the helm of the company, Plourde will support the new president and CEO during a transition period lasting until December 2024, after which he will act as a special advisor. A graduate in administration from the Université de Sherbrooke, Simon has over 30 ..read more

Blow molding machine maker Uniloy Inc. has entered into a collaboration agreement with drive and automation technology developer Baumüller that will allow Uniloy to enhance its machines for energy efficiency, precision control, and integration with Industry 4.0 standards. The companies say the strategic partnership marks a milestone in the plastic machinery sector. “We are thrilled to partner with Baumüller to bring forth the next generation of plastic machinery,” said Gary Riley, CEO at Uniloy. “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to innovation and sustainability for developing the ..read more

In a move that represents its first acquisition in the Mexican market, packaging machinery maker ProMach Inc. has acquired Mexico City-based Etiflex, a producer of pressure-sensitive and RFID labels, for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 1981, Etiflex is said to be one of the leading converters in Mexico for variable information-printed labels, tickets, and RFID labelling. The company serves a broad range of industries, including food and beverage, textile, automotive, personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and retail and logistics. Additionally, Etiflex produces tickets, badges, and brace ..read more

In a move designed to expand its tooling capabilities, packaging maker Berry Global Group Inc. has acquired F&S Tool Inc. of Erie, Pa. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. F&S Tool operates a 90,000-square-foot facility with 11 issued/pending patents and 105 employees. In an April 9 news release, Berry officials said the deal will also provide it with proprietary technologies in the closures and bottles space, specifically high-end growth markets. “The integration of F&S Tool’s talented teams and market-leading innovation capabilities combined with Berry’s globa ..read more

EcoPoly Properties Inc., a producer and supplier of plastic products, including films and bags for flexible packaging, is investing $32 million to enhance its facility in Orillia, Ont., and create 85 new jobs. In support of EcoPoly’s investment, Ontario is providing more than $3.5 million in funding through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) of the Regional Development Program. As a plastics laboratory and manufacturing facility, EcoPoly produces biodegradable plastic products that service a wide range of industries. The company’s investment will be used to acquire new equipment ..read more

Ron Delia. Photo Credit: Amcor plc The CEO of packaging maker Amcor plc is retiring within the month due to health reasons. In a March 19 news release, Amcor officials announced that Ron Delia will leave as both CEO and a board member on April 15. Amcor’s board has appointed Peter Konieczny, the company’s current chief commercial officer and a long-standing member of its global management team, as interim CEO; and Delia will provide advice until Sept. 30 as part of the transition. Delia has been with Amcor for 18 years, and served as CEO for the last nine. “The board is conducting a thorough ..read more

The plant in Greenville, Tex. Photo Credit: Orbis Corp. Reusable packaging maker Orbis Corp. is entering into a lease-to-own agreement for manufacturing space in Greenville, Tex., with EPM Partners of New York. In a March 18 news release, Orbis officials said the agreement includes 420,000 square feet of manufacturing space that will be used to produce reusable pallets, totes, and bulk containers. Improvements and infrastructure will be required to prepare the space for manufacturing activities. Orbis will also enter a lease agreement with EPM Partners for 240,000 square feet of warehousing ..read more

Flexible packaging maker ProAmpac is acquiring competitor Gelpac Inc, which has production facilities in Canada and the U.S. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Cincinnati-based ProAmpac, which is owned by Pritzker Private Capital and other investors, has a definitive agreement to purchase Gelpac, a maker of multiwall paper and poly-woven packaging products, from investment firms Namakor Holdings, Groupe W Investissements and CDPQ. Groupe W Investissements is a private equity fund in Montreal, and CDPQ is a global investment group based in Quebec City. “ProAmpac is the ide ..read more

Agr International Inc., a provider of quality and process control technologies for plastic beverage packaging, is being purchased by Indicor LLC, for a undisclosed amount. Indicor is a diversified industrial company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. It was formed in January 2023, and owns a range of companies including Dynisco, which makes pressure and temperature sensors for the extrusion sector. Agr, which is headquartered in Butler, Pa., will keep its name, brands, and operational footprint after the acquisition. The business will be led by Agr’s president, Sudha Jebadurai. “Agr is a terrifi ..read more