The family-owned business, based in Wisconsin, US, will operate as Menasha Packaging Canada, a subsidiary of Menasha Corporation.
Demand for integrated merchandising materials
Portable Packaging Systems designs promotional packaging and displays for retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, as well as material sourcing, assembly, repacking, fulfillment and distribution services. Both companies focus on food, household and personal care markets.
Dennis Bonn, VP marketing, Menasha, told FoodProductionDaily, the move into Canada allows the company to respond to the growing demand for integrated merchandising materials and fulfillment services outside the US and strengthens its position in North America.
“We often hear Consumer Packaged Goods companies that do business in both the US and Canada would prefer to work with one vendor for promotions in the two countries versus separate vendors in each country,” he said.
“Given the need, Menasha wanted to assist CPG companies that do business in both the US and Canada with all of their promotional needs. Being able to provide this service is especially valuable for customers who already have Menasha project managers on site.”
Founded in 1991, Portable Packaging employs more than 100 full-time employees and an average of 300 temporary workers per day at its Mississauga facility and at three customer-dedicated distribution centers in the greater Toronto area and one in Montreal.
Second Canadian acquisition this year
It is the second Canadian acquisition for Menasha Corporation this year. In January, the company acquired PearceWellwood of Brampton, Ontario.
PearceWellwood designs and manufactures corrugated displays for the retail industry and offers fulfillment and distribution services. In a related transaction, Menasha also acquired a 33% interest in Tencorr Packaging, a corrugated sheet manufacturer with plants in Brampton and Mississauga, Ontario, from PearceWellwood’s parent company, Pearce Group.
“We do not expect any changes in regards to staffing at this time,” added Bonn.
“The acquisition of Portable Packaging will improve our ability to provide new and existing customers that operate in Canada with end-to-end merchandising.
“Menasha’s strategic plan is continued growth both organic and through acquisitions.”
Mike Waite, president, Menasha Packaging Company, added Portable Packaging's structural and graphic design expertise, along with its integrated merchandising supply chain model, will complement the firm's platform and strengthen its integrated materials and services business model in Canada.