Newton-based folding carton manufacturer Walter G. Anderson will be acquired by Graphic Packaging International Inc.
The Atlanta company will take over operations of both the Newton and Hamel, Minn. Walter G. Anderson locations. WGA, which focuses on store branded food and consumer products markets, has been in Newton since 2011 when it moved into the former Maytag Distribution Center.
“I’m very excited about this. The future is going to be very bright for our Newton facility and Walter G. Anderson as a whole,” WGA President Marc Anderson said.
Graphic Packaging is a leading provider of packaging solutions for a wide variety of products from food and beverages to other consumer products. It is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and holds a leading market position in coated-unbleached kraft and coated-recycled board.
“The acquisition of Walter G. Anderson is a continuation of our strategy to grow in attractive geographies and end markets,” Graphic Packaging’s CEO Michael Doss said. “The addition of these two state-of-the-art converting facilities enhances our leadership position in the key North American food and consumer product markets. We are also very pleased to welcome Marc Anderson and his highly talented workforce to the Graphic Packaging team.”
The acquisition is expected to close following standard requirement and regulatory approval in the first quarter of 2016.
“We are delighted to join the Graphic Packaging team. Our employees and customers will benefit from this combination,” Anderson said. “Our long history of providing our customers with high-quality, value added packaging solutions, speed to market, and a customer focused culture will certainly strengthen Graphic Packaging’s global position in the food and consumer product packaging markets.”
WGA was founded in downtown Minneapolis by Walter G. Anderson and conducted business there before moving headquarters to Hammel, Minn. in the 1980s. It is a third-generation company that is among the most modern folding carton plants in the industry.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com