Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI), Grand Rapids, Mich., announced that one of its subsidiaries acquired the operating assets of Pak-Rite, Ltd., a Milwaukee, Wis.-based packaging design and manufacturing firm. The purchase expands UFPI’s capacity in custom packaging solutions.

Pak-Rite offers a full range of packaging solutions, including foam and plastic components and trademarked wood crating systems. UFPI hired Pak-Rite’s nearly 60 employees. Kirk Blaha, former president of Pak-Rite, was named general manager of operations, while Rick Blaha, founder and former CEO, will provide consulting services through the transition period.

“Pak-Rite aligns with our strategic objective to become the industry’s foremost packaging solutions provider,” says Matthew Missad, UFPI’s chief executive officer. “It has earned a reputation for extraordinary products and services, and we are excited to add them to our growing portfolio of packaging products. We’re very fortunate to add the dedicated people of Pak-Rite who have been instrumental in creating a successful company and who are motivated to grow their careers and the Pak-Rite products with Universal.”

“We are excited for this new chapter of our business after more than 20 years of success,” adds Blaha. “With the strength of Universal, we will be able to grow our customer base, products and design services and offer more opportunity to our people. It is a winning situation all the way around, and we look forward to being part of the growing Universal family of companies.”