Austin Foam Plastics Inc. is expanding its Midwest presence with the acquisition of the protective packaging division of Springfield, Mo.-based Engineered Packaging Inc.
Austin, Texas-based AFP also recently earned certification as a Women's Business Enterprise.
Austin Foam said in a news release that the EPI deal will strengthen its ability to serve existing customers in the Midwest and position the company for growth. AFP will assume the protective packaging, distribution and returnable/consumable lines of business. EPI will continue to operate its temperature-controlled packaging division.
AFP said that it will continue to be aligned with EPI owner Jim Stout as he explores retirement.
Austin Foam already has a Midwest location in Columbus, Ohio, but the company noted that the deal will give it a larger geographical presence and the ability to serve the region more efficiently. Four EPI employees transferred from the EPI operation and are now AFP employees.
Austin Foam, founded in 1978, is majority-owned by the daughters of Tim O'Hearn, who died in 2013. He was the company's first employee and he became majority owner in 2003. His shares are now held by April O'Hearn Abello, who is the CEO and director; and Devan and Dacey O'Hearn, who are shareholders.
The company said that the designation enables it to serve Women's Business Enterprise Council members who seek to diversify their supply chain, government contracting opportunities and access to a network of 10,000 certified companies.
“AFP is proud to become part of the WBENC community and join thousands of successful business leaders who share WBENC's vision to foster diversity in the world of commerce,” said April O'Hearn Abello, CEO of Austin Foam in a statement.
AFP has five U.S. facilities: Austin, Dallas and El Paso, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; and Nashville, Tenn.
The company provides protective packaging for retail and direct shipping customers. It offers polyethylene, polyurethane and expanded polystyrene foam products as well as corrugated boxes.
Austin Foam was certified by the Women's Business Council Southwest that it was at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.