Packaging producer ePac Flexible Packaging (Madison, Wisconsin / USA; www.epacflexibles.com) has established additional production capacities in France and Poland. The facility in Bourgoin Jallieu near Lyon / France, went into operation in early August 2020. From Lyon, digitally printed roll stock and pouches will be delivered to European customers in 10 to 15 working days after approval of the print templates.

“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we are on track with our mission to become a local supplier for brands of all sizes across Europe,” says Johnny Hobeika, managing director of ePac Holdings Europe. The Lyon facility is run by Jonathan Schmitt as managing partner.

In the start-up phase of the new plant, orders for the continental European market will initially be handled by the Brackley-based ePac UK Silverstone. The plant there was opened in December last year and is equipped with HP “Indigo 20000” digital presses, among other things. It is run by managing partner John Peat.

In Poland, the facility in Wrocław is also about to open. ePac did not, however, provide any information on the planned investments and the precise capacities. The head of plant is Maciej Plamieniak. As with the new French location, initial orders will be handled from the UK during the start-up phase. “On the European market there is an enormous demand for faster delivery, full flexibility and sustainable production,” says Hobeika.

ePac Flexible Packaging produces flat and stand-up pouches and other flexible plastic packaging. The company’s primary focus is on flexible supply for small and medium-sized consumer goods manufacturers. The first production capacities were put into operation in 2016 at the headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. ePac now has 18 locations in Asia, Canada, Europe and the US that are already in operation or scheduled to go online this year.

At the end of 2019, the company announced investments of more than USD 100m for further expansion plans. Its European sites are focusing exclusively on digital printing.