UK – Packaging specialist ALPLA Group has announced the acquisition of UK-based packaging design and manufacturing firm iTec Packaging, taking it out of administration.
iTEC Packaging specializes in the manufacture of closures for the dairy and food and beverage sectors.
The acquisition will also expedite the use of post-consumer recycled material used in closures while also offering an improved range of solutions with high recycled content.
iTEC Packaging fell into administration in April, with FRP’s Martyn Rickels, Simon Farr and Allan Kelly appointed as joint administrators to iTEC Packaging (Mansfield) Ltd and sister business iTEC Packaging (Chester-Le-Street) Ltd.
Last month, the joint administrators completed the sale of the Chester-Le-Street business to Shalam Packaging Group, which acquired the business and assets as a going concern, rebranding the firm as Shalam Thermoforming (UK) Ltd.
The joint administrators have now completed the rescue of the business with the sale of the Mansfield operation to Alpla UK.
The Mansfield plant manufactures packaging for the dairy industry, using compression and injection molding to make HDPE lids for dairy bottles.
iTEC Packaging’s business is also expected to increase the capacity and product range of ALPLA and help secure jobs at the site.
For Alpla, the takeover will enable it to expand its expertise as a packaging system provider in the UK market.
The company will further promote the use of post-consumer recycled material in the closure sector and strive to offer complete solutions with a high recycled content – one example of which is its Eco-Bottle, currently made from up to 40% food-grade rHDPE.
ALPLA UK managing director Jens Seifried said: “With our global know-how, with this acquisition we can increasingly offer the UK dairy industry sustainable, efficient and innovative packaging solutions.”
Joint administrator Martyn Rickels added: “iTEC Packaging was a long-established business and player in the dairy supply chain so we’re delighted to have secured a new buyer.
“Alongside the transaction to sell the sister business in Chester-Le-Street, this has helped save nearly 200 jobs in a short space of time, as well as protecting the customer base with ongoing production.”
ALPLA operates at 190 packaging sites in 46 countries; and has recycling plants for PET and HDPE in Austria, Germany, Poland, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Romania and Thailand.
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