In a rigid packaging deal, Container Services Inc. has acquired Apex Plastics and has combined the two firms into FirmaPak, a new platform for blow molding companies.
Apex is based in Brookfield, Mo., and operates a plant there. The firm specializes in single-stage custom PET and extrusion blow molded high density polyethylene bottles for the food and beverage, household and automotive industries.
CSI officials said Apex "has a world-class quality management system that allows it to provide superior customer service and short lead times for small to medium production runs."
CSI is known for its signature honey bear bottle. The firm is based in Hillsboro, Kan., and has a plant there and in New Castle, Pa.
CSI specializes in two-stage custom PET and extrusion blow molded HDPE packaging and also has expertise in post-consumer resins. The firm has been owned since early 2023 by Shore Capital Partners LLC of Chicago.
No purchase price for Apex was disclosed in a Jan. 29 news release announcing the deal. CSI has annual sales of more than $20 million. Apex has annual sales of $10.4 million, according to Plastics News data.
Packaging veteran Rob Goldberg will serve as CEO of the new FirmaPak unit. In the release, officials described FirmaPak as "a platform of like-minded customer-focused blow molders."
"CSI and Apex are combining their capabilities to better serve their customers and provide more opportunities for their employees," they added. "While each company will continue to operate under its own name, they will do so as part of the FirmaPak platform."
Goldberg said that FirmaPak "brings together local manufacturers like CSI and Apex, with complementary capabilities and product offerings that can serve different end markets and geographies."
"Our goal is to provide our customers with all the benefits that come with size and scale while preserving the personal touch that smaller companies can offer their customers," he added.
Goldberg most recently was an executive vice president with Berlin Packaging, a maker of glass, plastic and metal containers and closures.
In almost 10 years with Berlin, Goldberg was involved with nearly 40 acquisitions. Officials said he was "instrumental" in Berlin's expansion to Europe and Asia and the launch of its global beauty and cosmetics packaging unit.
Apex President Damon Neff will retain that position with FirmaPak. He's been with Apex for more than 20 years.
For CSI, the acquisition "adds a state-of-the-art facility with single-stage blow molding and a highly experienced team," Goldberg said.
"We will continue to make significant investments in our personnel, facilities and production capabilities and partner with additional plastic packaging manufacturers that share our values and customer-first approach," he said.