PPC Flexible Packaging LLC announced today the acquisition of Israel-based StePac, MAPfresh Holdings (StePac).
Headquartered in Buffalo Grove, IL, and part of a private equity portfolio managed by Chicago-based GTCR, PPC is specialized in the printing and converting of flexible films, pouches, and other packaging designs, including prototypes. A key business area is cleanroom packaging for medical applications, consumer snack and organic brands, specialty produce, pet, nutraceutical, bakery, and horticulture markets. Its facilities are AIB, SQF level II, and ISO-9001 certified.
StePac was founded in 1992 as a nylon film extruder providing sterilizable packaging for medical markets. StePac re-focused its capabilities shortly thereafter to bring emerging technologies to the development of packaging for fresh produce markets. Over the years the company has grown to become the globally recognized leader in post-harvest shelf life extension of high-value agricultural produce, according to the news release. The company’s patented technologies create atmosphere and humidity-controlled packaging through roll goods, lidding, and pre-made bags and pouches for bulk and retail applications. StePac operates through a network serving customers in more than 40 countries and nearly every continent from its headquarters and R&D center in Tefen, Israel.
“StePac has been a recognized technology leader in the boutique produce market for many years,” said Kevin Keneally, President and CEO of PPC, in a prepared statement. “Through combining PPC’s existing portfolio of produce packaging, this acquisition will bring our mutual customers a much more diverse selection of options ultimately delivering industry-leading sustainable solutions.”
With the addition of StePac, PPC now operates 14 manufacturing facilities in Buffalo Grove, IL; Mission and Kansas City, KS; Rome, GA; Payson, UT; Pewaukee, WI; McKinney, TX; Columbus and Alliance, OH; North Salt Lake, UT; Hartland, WI ; Colombia, South America; and Tefen, Israel.
