MeadWestvaco Corp. (MWV; Richmond, VA) has acquired injection molded trigger-sprayer manufacturer Spray Plast SpA (Romano d'Ezzelino, Italy), saying the company will enhance its Home & Garden business in Europe. The company's all-plastic trigger sprayers are used in the consumer and professional markets, with the deal expected to close in the fourth quarter. Spray Plast's products see use in household and industrial cleaning, automotive, agriculture, and veterinary markets in Europe. Currently strong in the North American home and garden market, MWV believes the Spray Plast acquisition will "better position the company to grow within Europe and targeted emerging markets, and meet growing demands for more ergonomic, high-performing, and environment-friendly products," according to a release.

Located near Venice, Spray Plast's capabilities include injection molding and assembly machinery. All 109 employees will transition to MWV, with the Spray Plast management team, including Andrea Gualdi as managing director, staying on. Founded in 1973 by Andrea's father Piero Gualdi, Spray Plast operates from a ISO 9001 and ISO 14000 certified facility. In March 2003, the company moved into a purpose-built site that combined its offices, molding, assembly, quality control, and warehouse under one roof. The company runs high-cavitation tooling, with much of its assembly work fully automated. One of nine product portfolios at the company, MWV designs and manufactures dispensers, sprayers, and pumps for the cosmetics, fragrance, home and garden, auto, personal care, and healthcare industries.