Global plastics packaging group Bemis Co. Inc. recently expanded its European footprint with the acquisition of two flexible packaging operations in Romania from Belgium's Groupe Evadix.
Bemis Europe confirmed the purchase of polyethylene film extruder Evadix Labels SRL and packaging film converter and printer Evadix MPI SRL., both in Piatra-Neamt, in north eastern Romania, for 3.3 million euros ($) at the end of last year.
The Evadix plants, with a total workforce of 62, operate a Windmöller & Hölscher Optimex Coex 3 extrusion line along with laminating lines and flexo printing presses to process various films and other packaging material.
The Romanian businesses provide decorated flexible packaging largely for the European food and beverage market, but also for other consumer goods. They are reported to have achieved a combined profit of almost 90,000 euros ($) on joint sales of 5.13 million euros ($).
Nivelles, Belgium-based Groupe Evadix began operating in Romania in 2005 when it wanted to expand its offset printing business to Eastern Europe.
The Evadix takeover represents a significant move by Neenah, Wis.-based Bemis into Eastern Europe.
“This small, yet strategic acquisition establishes Bemis with its first manufacturing operation in Eastern Europe,” it stated in October. “The acquired facility provides a strong converting platform to leverage Bemis's expertise and capabilities in film-making from Western Europe to grow sales of meat and cheese packaging throughout Europe.”