PKN EXCLUSIVE: The Abbe Group, a privately owned corrugated cardboard packaging manufacturer, has acquired Oji Fibre Solutions’ Australian operations. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, marks a major expansion for Abbe, which has been operating as a family business for over 35 years.
Speaking to PKN, Abbe Group sales and marketing director Daniel O’Sullivan said the decision was driven by a desire to expand their operational footprint across the eastern seaboard and enhance customer service, particularly during peak demand periods. Daniel with his two brothers, Anthony (managing director) and Chris (customer experience director) started working in the business from the ground up. “Our value proposition has always been about service, quality and speed to market,” O’Sullivan said. “By adding these additional facilities, we can better meet our customers’ needs and strengthen our offering across the country.”
The acquisition includes four packaging facilities – at Noble Park and Dandenong in Victoria, Lansvale in New South Wales, and Yatala in Queensland – along with distribution centres located in key regional horticultural hubs such as Mildura, Innisfail, Bundaberg and Mareeba.
“These sites open up new markets for us while also complementing the strong customer base we already serve in horticultural and fresh produce packaging,” O’Sullivan said.
The Abbe Group’s existing corrugated manufacturing footprint includes Coolaroo in Vic, Wetherill Park and Ingleburn in NSW as well as a pallet business in Dandenong Vic. The deal also marks Abbe’s re-entry into the Queensland market, with the modern Yatala site described as a cornerstone of the new portfolio.
Customer and market benefits
The deal significantly broadens Abbe’s ability to serve Eastern seaboard customers and strengthens supply security. “Having multiple corrugating sites in key states gives us the flexibility to manage seasonal peaks and respond quickly to customer demand,” O’Sullivan said.
For customers, this translates into shorter lead times, greater capacity, and enhanced security of supply. “Many of our customers operate across multiple states – now we can service them more competitively on a national basis,” he added.
Culture and integration
O’Sullivan acknowledged that integration of the two businesses will take time but said the Leadership Teams are committed to a smooth process. “We’ve been impressed by the strong culture within the Oji business, particularly given the challenges and market conditions over the years. There’s a lot of passion for what people do in this industry, and we want to build on that as we bring the two businesses together.”
He emphasised that Abbe’s family culture and hands-on leadership will remain a hallmark of the business as it grows. “We’ve worked hard to foster a values-based culture where people care deeply about customers and each other. Extending that to our new colleagues is a priority.”
Sustainability and competitiveness
Asked about sustainability initiatives, O’Sullivan noted Abbe’s commitment to continue sourcing locally manufactured paper and supporting the domestic recycling loop. “Ninety per cent of the paper we use is sourced from Visy and Opal, and we value their sustainability credentials. Keeping papermaking strong in Australia is important for the future of our industry.”
He added that energy efficiency and managing input costs are ongoing priorities. “Corrugated plants are energy-intensive operations. With rising costs for gas and electricity, we are focused on efficiency measures and renewable energy investments across our sites.”
On competing with industry giants, O’Sullivan said Abbe’s strength lies in agility and enduring customer relationships. “It is our responsiveness, quality, and service reliability that sets us apart.”
Innovation and future outlook
The company continues to invest in technology, with automation and digitalisation remaining central to its strategy. Abbe was among the first in Australia to introduce digital printing on corrugated cardboard and has led the way in ecommerce packaging automation through its fanfold technology.
“Being family-owned gives us the flexibility to adopt new technology early,” O’Sullivan said. “We’ve always been early adopters when it comes to improving efficiency and reducing waste.”
Looking ahead, he sees continued growth in fibre packaging demand, particularly as regulatory and market pressures push brands towards more sustainable solutions. “The recycled fibre loop is already established, which is a huge advantage. The focus now is to deliver value to customers by improving efficiency, while managing costs.”
A family-led vision
For the three O’Sullivan brothers, who have worked together in the business for 30 plus years, the acquisition is another chapter in Abbe’s growth story. Box making, they say, is very much in the O’Sullivan family's DNA, dating back to the 1950s when their grandfather began Cardboard Containers. Abbe is now a third generation family business started by John and Julie O’Sullivan in the early 1990s, currently managed by sons Anthony, Daniel and Chris, with three of their grandchildren (fourth generation) now working in the business.
“We’re very much a family business at heart,” he said. “What excites us most is seeing our people grow, some of whom started with Abbe over 30 years ago and are now leading teams. Working with people who are equally passionate about making a positive difference for our customer is what has made Abbe successful in the past and will into the future.”
