Transcontinental Inc., a Canadian supplier of flexible packaging, has acquired Multifilm Packaging Corporation, a flexible packaging supplier located in Elgin, near Chicago, Illinois, employing over 70 people. Multifilm specializes in piece-wraps and high-barrier laminates for the confectionery, snacks and dry foods markets.
Multifilm offers an integrated manufacturing process through cast film extrusion, metallization and demetallization, as well as aluminum foil printing.
Multifilm Packaging Corporation has been owned since 2008 by four owner-managers who will all remain with TC Transcontinental to ensure business continuity. This is TC Transcontinental’s sixth flexible packaging acquisition since entering the industry in 2014. The corporation’s packaging division has close to 1,000 employees and its North American platform comprises seven production plants and one premedia studio.
“The acquisition of Multifilm Packaging Corporation is aligned with our growth strategy for the packaging division and presents tremendous opportunities,” said François Olivier, President and CEO of TC Transcontinental, in a press release. “This transaction allows us to enter new high-end confectionery packaging niches and to bolster our offering in this market. Multifilm expands our manufacturing capabilities, namely with aluminum foil printing and demetallization, thereby enabling us to leverage these sought-after processes within our North American packaging platform. We are pleased to acquire such a forward-thinking company, equipped with a state-of-the-art platform and enjoying solid business relationships with its loyal customers, some of whom are internationally renowned. We wish to extend a warm welcome to all of Multifilm’s talented employees who will be joining our team of committed and results-oriented people.”
Flexible packaging in the pet food industry
More North American pet food companies are looking to expand their reach with flexible packaging. Simmons Pet Food, a supplier of custom and private label pet food solutions in North America, has broken ground on a facility expansion at its flexible packaging facility in Emporia, Kansas.
The US$38 million investment will increase operations by 200,000 square feet and create approximately 100 new jobs in the Emporia area. The company expects to begin operations in 2019. Simmons Pet Food currently employs 500 people at its Emporia location.
The Emporia Flexible Packaging Facility expansion will increase Simmons Pet Food’s capacity for flexible production and packaging for select wet pet food products. With demand for cup, tub and pouch packaging formats projected to exceed the existing capabilities, this expansion will add substantial capacity to ensure Simmons Pet Food meets customer demand.
