From 1 April, API branded products, which are manufactured in the US and UK, will be sold in Australia and New Zealand exclusively by BJ Ball. The two companies have formed a partnership agreement, in which API stock, equipment and most sales and production staff will transfer to BJ Ball and be integrated into BJ Ball’s existing operations and organisation. The takeover has been more than six months in the planning. API Australia general manager, Leo Ivica, has been offered a similar position at BJ Ball.
Eventually, API facilities in Australia and New Zealand will close and BJ Ball will have considerably broadened its existing portfolio of foils, films and laminates to the print and graphics sector.
Craig Brown BJ Ball group chief executive officer noted, responded: “The BJ Ball team are excited by the addition of API’s well established foils range to the portfolio of products we are able to offer to label printers, carton makers and other customers in the graphics sector, as well as the opportunity to serve other niche markets for API’s specialist products”.
During the transition period, the usual contacts from API and BJ Ball will keep customers informed about developments and coordinate to ensure continuity of service and supply.
Will Oldham, managing director of API Foils Europe commented, “We are grateful for the contribution of our local employees in developing API’s foils business in Australia and New Zealand and are confident that this partnership will deliver improved service to customers and open up new opportunities for growth based on BJ Ball extensive infrastructure and sales coverage across the region.”
Will Oldham managing director of API Foils Europe stated, “We are confident that this partnership will deliver improved service to customers and open up new opportunities for growth on BJ Ball extensive infrastructure and sales converge across the region.”
