Horticultural packaging supplier Nursery Supplies Inc., a portfolio company of Mill Point Capital LLC, has formed Creo Group, a new parent company to integrate divisions Nursery Supplies Inc. and Summit Plastics Co.
Creo rebranded Summit Plastics Co., which merged with Nursery Supplies in 2013, as Creo Greenhouse, a division within the group, to focus on products in the greenhouse market.
The new name "better reflects its commitment to sustainable product innovation, passion for the horticulture industry, intuitive greenhouse product line, and anticipation of future growth and advancements," a June 24 news release said.
NSI has a dedicated customer base in the nursery container market.
"Each division upholds its unique product lines and market focus while benefiting from shared resources and expertise," Andrea Paganelli, director of marketing for Creo Group, told Plastics News in an emailed statement. "Although both brands are committed to supporting growers and furthering sustainable options for the industry, we recognize that greenhouses and nurseries have specific needs. Therefore, we have tailored product lines and brands to ensure success in both niches."
Last month, NSI announced it will close a facility in Mogadore, Ohio, permanently laying off 62 employees. That closure was not related to the launch of Creo Group, Paganelli said, adding that "there were separate operational factors that led to that decision."
"Since the acquisition of Summit Plastic Co., NSI has been eager to find a way to bring greenhouse and nursery together under a unified mission and brand," Paganelli said. "We sought to find a way to honor each brand's unique customer needs while also uniting our knowledge and resources under an umbrella that sets us up for future growth and success."
"We now have a platform that will set us apart from the competition and continue driving innovation and growth," Justin Smith, chairman and CEO of Nursery Supplies, said in a June 26 news release.
"The formation of Creo Group marks the beginning of a new era in sustainable packaging," Mark Paolano, partner at Mill Point Capital, said in the release. "Our new identity is emblematic of the significant growth and expansion plans that will define Creo in the years ahead."
In 2023, NSI products averaged more than 50 percent recycled plastic content in every container, which Creo recycles in-house. As a part of a strategic sustainability road map, Creo now offers new containers made with bio-based materials.
Kissimmee, Fla.-based Creo Group manufactures horticulture packaging. The company's capabilities include blow molding, pressure forming, injection molding, vacuum forming, custom printing and branding, and an in-house resin recycling platform.