Melbourne-based flexible packaging specialist O.F Pack has acquired flexible packaging printer and converter Plasticover for an undisclosed sum, enabling the expansion of its local pouch and bag converting operation.
With the growth in digitally printed flexible packaging and the attendant demand for fast turnaround on flexible packaging conversion, O.F Pack has for some time recognised the need to expand its local manufacturing base. Over the past year, the company has been eyeing various acquisition opportunities in the market, announcing this week that it has purchased the well-established Plasticover, a 20-year-old business based in Carrum Downs, Victoria.
PKN spoke to managing director Joe Foster, who said the two companies had worked together some years ago with his previous company, Foster Packaging [which merged with Omniverse Group back in 2016, before re-branding to O.F Pack earlier this year].
“Plasticover has been in operation for over two decades, and although it has flown largely under the radar, it is well positioned in the market and covers a wide range of flexible packaging, with its main focus in the horticulture sector,” Foster said. “It was a great fit with our business.”
Plasticover has a wide customer base across multiple food and non-food markets, offering flexo printing, lamination, and various types of printed poly bags.
O.F Pack has acquired all the assets of the business, including the existing customer base. The plan is to consolidate O.F Pack's local bag and pouch-making capability under one roof at the Carrum Downs site, and to upgrade the facility to allow for expansion of its food-grade packaging.
“We see this as a great move for O.F Pack, one which conforms with our future goals of expanding our local manufacturing capabilities,” Foster said.
To complement its existing gravure print packaging and innovation developments, O.F Pack also specialises in the converting of locally-printed digital films, using HP Indigo 20000 digital presses for short-run pouches and rewind films. Following this acquisition, the company has a full print offering from digital to flexo and gravure.
