Smurfit Kappa Group, one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products with operations in Europe and the Americas, has completed the acquisition of Cartones del Pacifico, a leading paper-based packaging company in Peru. 

After a construction period lasting about a year, MULTIVAC in Kansas City, Missouri, has opened its new Logistics Center, which will help meet increasing demands for spare parts logistics and material supplies for production. This investment lays the foundations for further growth by MULTIVAC in the region.

The Massman Companies, a leading manufacturer of industrial packaging machinery, has promoted Mark Suchy to the new position of Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Mr. Suchy will be responsible for the sales and marketing efforts of all of The Massman Companies, which consists of Massman Automation Designs, EDL Packaging, Ideal-Pak Pase Group, and DTM Packaging and Custom Automation.

NCC Automated Systems announced Tom Luft has joined the company as Director of Sales and Applications Engineering. Luft will lead and align the team according to sales strategies, grow existing customer relationships and support new opportunities. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the conveyor industry and will report to John French, Director of Systems Engineering, NCC Automated Systems.

Great American Packaging (GAP) is pleased to announce that the company has received the highest rating possible on the recently completed IFS PACsecure audit, a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized food safety certification program. The audit is designed to make sure packaging companies comply with rigorous standards that are in place to ensure the quality and safety of all packaging materials that come into contact with food.

Eric Confer, Eriez Market Manager for Light Industries, says demand continues to grow from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the company’s  vibratory feeding solutions for integration into packaging systems. Confer says, “Packaging system OEMs rely on vibratory feeders to meter and convey a variety of bulky and free-flowing material to provide greater economy and efficiency in feeding and filling, and Eriez delivers.”

Global packaging leader TricorBraun announced today that it has acquired Quebec-based RODA Packaging, further expanding its presence in Eastern Canada. Serving customers for nearly 40 years, RODA is a rigid packaging distributor specializing in the chemicals, sealants, and adhesives markets; it also serves the nutraceuticals, juices, and dry condiments and spices segments. As part of the RODA acquisition, TricorBraun will also acquire Rada Industries.

NCC Automated Systems has named John French as director of systems engineering. In his new role, he will oversee the sales, applications and project management teams by providing his 22 years of packaging automation experience and leadership to projects from sales through execution. He will report to Jason Link, General Manager, NCC Automated Systems.

NCC Automated Systems recently added Erik Bronander to its team to lead Business Development. While he will be tasked with growing business by identifying new applications and opportunities, Bronander's main objective will be to develop a new business unit focused around complete nutraceutical packaging lines. He will report directly to Kevin Mauger, President, NCC Automated Systems.

Siew Keat Tung has been promoted to Managing Director of Multivac Malaysia. He also took over the management of the Multivac Singapore subsidiary at the start of the year. The previous managing director, Soon Heng (Robin) Lim, will leave the company at the end of February 2021.