Packaging House Acquires Expresspak

Media Release July 2009

Packaging House Acquires Expresspak

There has been no loss of value in the packaging sector during the economic downturn, as evidenced by the recent acquisition of Expresspak, a specialist provider of customised food-service packaging supplies, by Wesfarmers Industrial and Safety NZ.

The move serves as more proof of Wesfarmers’ determination to shrug off the effects of recession on its operations; in the past year, the company has continued to grow its Packaging House business, expanding its staff base by eight percent. It also experienced double-digit growth in the food-service sector in the 12 months to June 2009 – making the Expresspak acquisition a logical next step in the company’s growth plan.

The acquisition puts Packaging House, which provides hygiene, food service, cleaning and chemicals and industrial packaging, in a market-leading position in the food service packaging sector. With 12 staff, 600 product lines, and operations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Expresspak is a significant new asset; revenues from Expresspak activity will comprise approximately 10% of Packaging House’s annual turnover.

Packaging House employs more than 140 staff and plays a significant role in the New Zealand economy, sourcing 90% of its products from more than 280 local businesses and supply partners.

All Expresspak staff, including manager Sue Jeffrey, will remain in the business, working under the Expresspak brand. However, Expresspak will now draw on the expertise and infrastructure of Packaging House, which has 10 nationwide branches and distributes more than 20,000 products.

“The acquisition of Expresspak adds a specialised component to Packaging House’s comprehensive product offering to food-service customers,” says Packaging House marketing manager Jeff Teahan.

“We have established market-leading position in the industrial and hygiene sectors and food service is one of our key growth areas. Expresspak, as an independent, privately-owned business, recognised the benefits available from a corporate partner to help take the company to the next level.

“Both Packaging House and Expresspak customers will benefit from the joint force of the two businesses. We are in a position to give restaurants, cafes and caterers access to a broader range of innovative solutions and cost efficiencies during difficult economic times.”

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