Global packaging specialist Ampac (Cincinnati, Ohio / USA; www.ampaconline.com) on 30 June announced that it had acquired Swiss flexible packaging producer Elag Verpackungen (Kirchberg; www.elag.ch). The move expands Ampac’s ability to create innovative flexible packaging concepts, part of the group’s strategic aim. Following the takeover, the senior leadership teams of both companies are to remain in their existing posts.

The US group made its first foray into Europe in 2007, when it acquired German packaging and stand-up pouch manufacturer Floeter Flexible Packaging – see Plasteurope.com of 13.09.2007. Altogether, the group operates 14 manufacturing hubs in the US, Europe and Asia. In the statement announcing the purchase, Ampac says the acquisition of Elag “broadens and strengthens the availability of quality pouching products for all Ampac customers.” In the words of Marc Rapp, president of Ampac’s global Pouching division: “The innovative potential in Elag is the ideal completion of our service portfolio in Europe.”