PPC Flexible Packaging LLC is expanding internationally through the purchase of StePac L.A. Ltd. of Tefen, Israel.
"StePac has been a recognized technology leader in the boutique produce market for many years. Through combining PPC's existing portfolio of produce packaging, this acquisition will bring our mutual customers a much more diverse selection of options," PPC CEO Kevin Keneally said in a statement.
StePac started operations in 1992, initially as a nylon film extruder serving the medical and health care markets. The company later moved to the fresh produce market and has become a "globally recognized leader in post-harvest shelf life extension," PPC said.
The company makes roll goods, lidding, pre-made bags and pouches for both bulk and retail applications.
"Over the years our team and I have built StePac to be a global leader in vertically integrated sustainable packaging for many specialty fresh produce items. Our technologies help deliver produce to customers worldwide through best-in-class, sustainable shelf life extension and preservation," StePac CEO Asaf Shachnai said in a statement.
"We believe this combination with PPC will provide greater financial and operational resources to support our brand in this rapidly growing market segment," he continued.
StePac becomes PPC's 14th manufacturing location. Other sites are in Buffalo Grove, Ill.; Mission and Kansas City, Kan.; Rome, Ga.; Payson and North Salt Lake, Utah; Pewaukee and Hartland, Wis.; McKinney, Texas; and Columbus and Alliance, Ohio. The company also has a plant in Colombia, making Israel its second international facility.
The move into Israel comes after PPC acquired Plastic Packaging Technologies LLC of Kansas City in October 2022. PPT brought 425 workers in manufacturing and distribution facilities in Columbus and Kansas City.
StePac has customers in more than 40 countries. PPC, founded by Keneally in 2017, is now owned by GTCR LLC, a private equity firm based in Chicago.