Pro Mach acquired Packaging Synergies Inc., a packaging machinery company specializing in production of pouches, stickpacks, and other flexible packaging. According to the company, recent additions to its roster of flexible packaging firms will help give food manufacturers and other packaged-goods firms a broader range of options.
The purchase includes Japan-based Toyo Jidoki, which manufactures automated pouch packaging equipment. Also, the purchase covers Spanish machinery firm Iniever, which makes stick-pack, sachet, and four-sided seal machinery for liquid and powder applications.
Flexible options
Barry Heiser, president of the newly formed Flexible Packaging Group, said the unity of the flexible packaging firms will give food manufacturers more format options.
“We see a strong demand for flexible packaging in the North American market and we can now provide our customers a full range of high-quality flexible packaging solutions,” he said. “This will allow us to offer them an enhanced, single source solution across their packaging line.”
The Flexible Packaging Group will include existing Pro Mach companies. Those include Matrix, which offers vertical/form/fill/seal machinery, and Rennco, providing vertical baggers and heat sealers.
Focus on the Americas
According to company representatives, the Flexible Packaging Group will market, sell, and support its expanded flexible packaging product line, focusing on the North and South American markets.
Research by market intelligence firm reports that global demand for food packaging will hit $252bn in 2013, with flexible packaging showing strong growth. The Flexible Packaging Association reports that flexible packaging demand is increasing in the Americas; flexible accounts for about 18% of the overall packaging market (about $145bn in the US last year).
Pro Mach will be exhibiting machinery from its Flexible Packaging Group at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2013. For more information about the show (scheduled September 23-25), visit the show site at www.packexpo.com.