Huhtamaki packaging firm buys Delta Print for £80M
The deal also included Delta’s production plant in Poland – European Packaging Solutions. The deal will strengthen Huhtamaki’s position within the foodservice packaging market in Europe.
The existing management team, which will remain unchanged, will report to Rosemary Mason, md Huhtamaki Foodservice Western Europe and UK.
Mason said: “To date, our product offering has focused on food-to-go packaging such as cups, lids, plates, bowls and cutlery for some of the leading food and foodservice brands in the world.
Global customer partnerships
“The acquisition of Delta, which manufactures board products complementary to our own such as burger clam boxes, fry cartons and flat cartons for many different retail products, will allow Huhtamaki to enter the fast-growing folding carton business in Europe and strengthen our global customer partnerships.”
The Huhtamaki Group uses sustainable materials such as bioplastics in its packaging. The group said it had an ambitious growth strategy for its three business areas – foodservice packaging, flexible packaging, moulded fibre packaging.
“We recognise that the 290 plus employees of Delta, and their experience, skills and knowledge of the industry, have been integral to the success the company has enjoyed over the last 30 years,” she added.
“And we look forward to welcoming them on board and increasing the number of Huhtamaki employees in Northern Ireland.”
Huhtamaki already employs more than 200 people in Northern Ireland at its moulded fibre plant in Lurgan and paper recycling unit in Lisburn, which are both part of the group’s moulded fibre segment.
Accelerating growth
The company already boast clients such as such as KFC, Kellogg’s, McDonald’s and United Biscuits. The company is looking to accelerate sales growth through coffee, quick service restaurants and consumer goods.
Delta founder Terry Cross, who will remain as a senior adviser assisting Huhtamaki, said: “I am delighted that Delta has become part of the Huhtamaki organisation which is a leading, global specialist in food and drink packaging.
“Thirty five years on from our first transaction, now is the time for the company to take the next step in what has been, and what will continue to be, a very exciting journey for the company, our employees and our customers.”
Meanwhile, a serious recent fire at Huhtamaki’s food packaging factory in Gosport, Hampshire earlier this month has been traced to an electrical roof fan.
