Berlin Packaging LLC is taking another dip into manufacturing with the acquisition of a Canadian packaging distribution company that has plastics molding operations.
Berlin Packaging, a Chicago-based company that distributes glass, plastic and metal containers sourced from more than 900 suppliers, announced the deal Nov. 3. Terms were not disclosed.
Berlin Packaging highlighted that the deal expands its footprint in Canada, and will enable the combined companies to offer more packaging products and value-added services to customers. Berlin already has a Montreal location that is focused on specialty glass packaging for food, spirits and wine.
Consolidated Bottle was established by the Korolnek family in 1910 and has operations in Toronto and Montreal. It supplies glass, rigid plastics, flexible packaging, metal and assembled products.
On its website, Consolidated Bottle says it has plastics expertise in blow molding, injection molding and assembly. Secondary decorating capabilities include silkscreen, hot stamping, label application, and shrink sleeve application.
In a news release, Berlin Packaging specifically noted that the acquisition would give it Consolidated Bottle's injection molding, decorating and shrink sleeving capabilities.
"We are extremely committed to the Canadian market and see tremendous growth opportunities for our employees, customers and suppliers," Bill Hayes, CEO and president of Berlin Packaging, said in the release.
Berlin Packaging already has some plastics manufacturing operations. In 2019, the company acquired Dutch rigid packaging major Novio Packaging Group BV, which has a strong plastics presence in Europe. Novio supplies PET and high density polyethylene packaging along with glass containers.
All Consolidated Bottle employees and locations will be retained, according to the release, and the company will be known as Consolidated Bottle Corp., a Berlin Packaging company.
Consolidated Bottle supplies plastic, glass and metal containers and closures to personal care, pharmaceutical, cannabis, food, beverage and industrial customers.
"We are thrilled to partner with Berlin Packaging for our next chapter," said Jonathan Rutman, CEO of Consolidated Bottle. "Our team and our customer base have enjoyed phenomenal growth over the past several years, and we are confident that our shared future is bright with Berlin Packaging."
Private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners owns a majority of Berlin Packaging.