Page 44 - Plastics News January 2020

Business news

Hoffmann Neopac acquires CM Belgium's Paneltim expanding

Packaging to US

lastic and metal packaging firm Hoffmann Neopac has aneltim NV of Lichtervelde, Belgium, a maker of
Pacquired Netherlands-based CM Packaging. Following Plightweight and strong plastic sandwich panels, is
the acquisition, Hoffmann is to integrate the two companies opening a U.S. facility, Paneltim USA LLC in Plymouth,
into a single entity by January 2020. The companies have Mich. The company announced the news in late 2019.
not disclosed the financial details of the deal. Hoffmann Lightweight Paneltim panels are hollow plates with
Neopac CEO Mark Aegler said: “The team at CM Packaging an internal cell structure. The panels are produced
has been a tremendous partner through the years, and by injection molding half panels that are then welded
with them joining the Hoffmann Neopac family we now
have a production site in the EU in the metal sector and
can also successfully implement our internationalisation
in this area. “In the tube business, we have been doing
this for several years and now produce high-quality tubes
in Switzerland, Hungary, India and the USA.” Hoffmann
Neopac has also announced an infrastructure investment.
The company will build a three-piece can-making line
at CM Packaging’s facility in Dronten, the Netherlands.
The investment is expected to meet the demands for
the growing infant food sector by expanding capacity.
Hoffmann Neopac former CTO Andreas Geiger will serve together to form a closed panel. Paneltim manufactures
as managing director of the Metal Packaging division. plastic sandwich panels and slats in polypropylene
Hoffmann Neopac Tins sales head Tomas Pivko will lead the copolymer (PP copo) and in high density polyethylene
sales team. The three owners of CM Packaging will remain (HDPE).Paneltim exports about 20% of its turnover to
part of the company. CM Packaging Sales and Marketing the United States and the surrounding countries. That
director Herbert van de Beek said: “The acquisition of is why Paneltim is currently in the process of setting
CM Packaging by Hoffmann Neopac will combine the clear up its subsidiary Paneltim USA LLC. The company said
it had already hired two key manager to oversee sales
and warehouse duties, and that final site selection was
underway. Earlier in 2019 CEO, Annelies Deltour, took
part in the Select USA Summit in Washington DC. With
events like this, Select USA supports companies that
have expansion or investment plans in the US. Paneltim
products are made of polypropylene copolymer
(PP copo) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). Paneltim
produces according to the Cradle to Cradle principle.
The panels are 100% recyclable: the closed structure
contains no internal pollution and the panels are made
from one raw material component (PP or HDPE) to
strengths of both companies and improve our position in facilitate the recyclability. 50% of all the panels that
an increasingly challenging market. “It will also further Paneltim nv produces, are made from 100% recycled
strengthen our service and development power, which is a materials.Waste material during the production or local
benefit to our customers.”Hoffmann Neopac is a privately- manipulation can be recycled by Paneltim nv or by
owned company, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. external recycling companies. The panels are used in
The company produces high-quality metal and plastic a range of applications such as liquid tanks and ducts,
packaging in five locations. livestock housing, planters, walkways, furniture alike.

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Plastics News Januar y 2020 44