Thermoforming Technology Group (TTG) has added Nalle Automation Systems (NAS) LLC to its consortium of businesses through an acquisition that brings automation equipment for the thermoforming industry and beyond to the private equity-owned group.
Based in Beaverton, Mich., which is considered the thermoforming capital of the world, TTG officials didn't disclose terms of the deal to acquire the packaging automation company, which has its headquarters and a 32,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Knoxville, Tenn.
TTG manufactures and services equipment used in the high-throughput conversion of plastic sheet into value-added products for a variety of markets, while NAS designs and makes customized machinery for the food and beverage industry. NAS machines are used worldwide for vertical bagging, shrink wrapping, sleeve wrapping and customized automation that can count, stack and package a variety of materials like paper as well as plastic and foam.
TTG CEO Bryan Redman said NAS is a good fit for the group's lineup, which includes thermoforming machine makers Brown Machine and Lyle Industries and Epco, a anufacturer and repair service for plastic injection molding and die casting equipment.
“As a team, we are now able to provide customers an even more robust turnkey offering of the most innovative thermoforming platform in the industry combined with the premier product automation equipment,” Redman said in an Aug. 29 news release.
All NAS baggers and wrappers feature a patented low-energy sealing system for centerfold polyethylene films, which the company says eliminates film buildup on the seal bars and reduces maintenance. NAS also has a patent pending for a horizontal cup counting and packaging system.
Tom Nalle, who founded NAS in 1997, described the acquisition in the same release as “an opportunity for us to grow our product line, as well as our product support and service offering.” He also said NAS has a modern facility in Knoxville, and he and his employees will continue to manage the business from there.
TTG will be able to offer customers a competitive edge in their markets, according to Bob Gordet, TTG sales director.
“This collaboration promises to ensure our customers continue to benefit from the most innovative machines and manufacturing methods,” he said in the release. “At the same time, NAS provides TTG with another entry into manufacturing markets and customers beyond thermoforming.”
