Noteworthy industry briefs

Bedford, N.S.-based private holding company Scotia Investments Limited (SIL) and CKF, Inc., Hantsport, N.S.-based manufacturer of molded pulp, foam and recycled PET packaging products for retail and foodservice markets, have reached a definitive agreement to acquire Langley, B.C.-based Packright Manufacturing Ltd., which specializes in manufacturing clear and colored thermoformed rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) plastic products for the agricultural, produce, confectionery and deli sectors. “CKF is a natural partner for Packright,” says Colin Chiu, CKF director of new market development for plastics. “The similarity in vision and culture of our two companies and CKF’s willingness to invest in growth made them an easy choice as a partner.” According to CKF, .Packright already services many of the same customers and operates in similar markets in North America, so the acquisition offers both companies, and their combined customer base, the benefits of scale, design, and market access. “Counting Packright as part of the CKF family is a milestone for our entire group,” says CKF president Ian Anderson. “Not only are we gaining a tremendous depth of knowledge in rPET design and manufacturing, but the acquisition aligns with our vision and investment strategy to build the scale and standardization required for a sustainable, circular economy for rPET.”

Krones, Inc., Franklin, Wis.-based manufacturer of filling and packaging solutions for the beverage industry, has acquired a majority stake in R+D Custom Automation LLC (R+D), Trevor, Wis.-based supplier machinery and equipment for the production and filling of containers for the pharmaceutical industry. According to Krones, the acquisition of R+D strengthens Krones’ activities in the attractive life science and pharmaceutical markets showing above-average growth. “As a full-service system integrator and specialized equipment manufacturer, R+D has a clear, solid footprint in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as a steady history of success,” says Holger Beckmann, president and chief executive officer of Krones Inc. “As Krones works to increase its imprint in this market, the technology, solutions and equipment developed by R+D provide an ideal platform to expand our efforts.”

All Printing Resources, Inc. (APR), Glendale Heights, Ill.-based supplier of flexographic printing solutions and services, has entered into strategic partnership with Twen Machinery, leading Spanish manufacturer of anilox laser cleaning solutions, for the exclusive distribution and marketing of Twen’s unique technology in the U.S. market. “Although laser anilox roll cleaning has now been available for a few years, the industry has still been looking for a truly safe and effective solution, “ says APR chief executive officer David Nieman. “After doing extensive due diligence on the Twen technology, we are convinced it is the right solution for the market.

Pharmaceutical co-packer Aphena Pharma Solutions Inc. has completed a major US$20-million expansion and renovation of its production site in Cookeville, Tenn., significantly increasing its available solid dose packaging capacity. “The expansion added a new 500,000-square-foot facility that is purpose-built for FDA pharmaceutical packaging of solid dose and biologic products,” says Aphena’s president and chief operating officer Eric Allen, citing the addition of four new high-speed bottling lines and two high-speed blister lines for solidbased products. director of sales Paul Glintenkamp. “This new facility effectively make us one of the ‘Top Five’ contract pharmaceutical packaging companies in the U.S..”

From left: R+D chief technology officer Eric Holmes; Krones AG chief financial officer Norbert Broger; Krones AG chief executive officer Christoph Klenk; R+D chief executive officer Loren Esch; Krones AG M&A director Sebastian Schaefer; and Krones Inc. chief executive officer Holger Beckmann.

IM-PECK-ABLE SOLUTIONS

KEEPING PROCESSING EQUIPMENT MOVING TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY WITH HYGIENIC AND SAFE CONVEYING SOLUTIONS

VISIT US AT BOOTH BC9449

Check Out These New, Innovative Solutions At IPPE

REXNORD® KLEANTOP® PACTITAN PRO™ BELTS

Safe, built-to-last design lasts more than 6x longer than the average metal conveyor belt, even in the harshest poultry applications

REXNORD® ACTIVE DRIVE™ SPIRAL BELTS

Eliminate constant monitoring and adjustment of overdrive while extending belt and component life

SEALMASTER® STAINLESS STEEL GOLD™ BEARINGS

IP69K-certifi ed bearings designed specifi cally for reliable, long-lasting performance in demanding applications

Scan for more information

Leominster, Ma.-based food-and-beverage packaging equipment supplier IMA Dairy & Food USA has obtained the North American sales, marketing and service rights for the extrusion blowmolding machinery manufactured in Italy by AlphaMAC, also part of the IMA Group. According to IMA, AlphaMAC’s portfolio includes comprehensive, custom-engineered lines for plastic containers production, secondary packaging and quality assurance, including extrusion blowmolding machines and molds; bottle design development and production optimization tools; quality control systems for bottles; and secondary packaging robotic solutions. “As the industry-wide push for more sustainable food-and-beverage packaging solutions continues, the North American liquid dairy sector is one where eco-conscious upgrades are long overdue,” says Patrick Carroll, president of IMA Dairy & Food USA. “Adding AlphaMAC to our portfolio will provide our customers with more sustainable options, while significantly expanding our market share potential.” Wayne, Pa.-based TekniPlex Consumer Products has completed the acquisition of Empaques

Moldeados de America Tecnologias S. de R.L. de

C.V. (Ematec), a prominent Mexican of manufacturer of molded fiber packaging solutions for eggs, produce, foodservice and other fresh food items. “Ematec bolsters our commitment to leadership in the fresh foods and foodservice categories, reinforcing our strategy to focus on helping our customers win in the perimeter of the store,” says Eldon Schaffer, chief executive officer of TekniPlex Consumer Products. Employing 530 people at six manufacturing facilities across Mexico, “Ematec has a solid reputation for developing and commercializing packaging solutions for the segments it serves.” According to Schaffer, the acquisition significantly strengthens TekniPlex’s leading position as a materials-diverse solutions provider in the fresh foods industry, while complimenting the company’s recent acquisitions of other molded pulp packaging producers such as Keyes and Fibro. Mentor, Ohio-based Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials has announced today plans to start up a new distribution center (DC) operation in

Fairfield, Ca., to enhance service capabilities and leverage the local proximity to support wine and spirits customers with same-day service to Northern California, including Napa, Sonoma and Modesto. With the renovated site in Northern California expected to be operational before the end of the year, the new state-of-the-art Napa DC will help Avery Dennison continue to provide superior label solutions that embrace the core values of the local of wine and spirits producers, according to the company. “We are committed to optimizing our distribution network, increasing capacity, and enhancing our customer service,” says Jeroen Diderich, senior vice-president and general manager of the Avery Dennison Label and Graphic Materials business unit. “This new DC will help us better serve our converters and their customers by boosting our efficiencies for shipping and delivery.”

DANIELLE LADOUCEUR & ROBERT FORTIER YOUR PACKAGING MACHINE & MATERIAL SPECIALISTS IN ONTARIO & MANITOBA

VC999 IS GROWING!

In addition to Danielle Ladouceur, who has been selling packaging machines and materials for ten years in Canada, we have added Robert Fortier. These are your local packaging specialists for Ontario and Manitoba! Please contact them for any of your packaging needs!