The Pechiney group (F-92048 Paris) has acquired a controlling interest in UK manufacturer of custom PET plastic bottles and preforms Pet Plas Packaging Ltd (Royds Farm Road, GB-Leeds LS12 6DX). Along with its focus on custom specialty packaging, Pet Plas´ experience and expertise in PET design and manufacture, “will strengthen our operating base by providing bottle-making capacity in Europe,” said Christel Bories, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of Pechiney´s food, health and beauty segment. The acquisition will boost the French group´s plastic bottle sales to around FRF 500m.

Founded in 1990, Pet Plas, which has two plants at Leeds, manufactures single-layer PET bottles for the soft drink, water, toiletries, edible oil and household chemical markets. In 1998, the company had sales of GBP 20m. Pechiney´s bottle manufacturing capacity is located solely in North America, at Batavia Illinois, Bellevue, Ohio, and Newark, California, in the US, and at Brampton Ontario, in Canada. The group also operates two plastic research and development centres, at Vorreppe, France, and Neenah, Wisconsin / USA, and holds numerous patents in plastic barrier technology.

Pechiney counts itself among the world´s largest manufacturers of beverage cans as well as one of the largest producers of plastic packaging and tube products for the beverage, food, personal care and beauty markets. In 1997, the plastic packaging division had sales of FRF 4.75bn.

READER SERVICE: Pechiney annual report 1998: PIE-No. 43840.