ProMach announced earlier this month that it has acquired Lako Tool & Manufacturing, a supplier of components for flexible packaging machines.
Lako designs and manufactures sealing, cutting, and punching solutions, along with associated tooling for flexible film packaging equipment. Founded in 1976 in Perrysburg, Ohio, the company serves snack, tobacco, personal care, and pet food markets.
ProMach president Mark Anderson said the acquisition expands the company’s capabilities in the consumer-packaged goods sector.
“Lako is well recognized for quality designs, precision engineering, and component manufacturing,” said Anderson, in a statement. “Their experience with sealing solutions for challenging materials strengthens our flexible packaging portfolio.”
Strengthening flexible packaging operations
Lako’s 59 employees will join ProMach’s Systems & Process business unit, led by group president Ryan McCart. Lako CEO John Bialecki will become ProMach’s vice president and general manager for that business unit.
“I have been blessed to work with our previous owner, John Sullivan, for almost 20 years,” said Bialecki. “Being part of ProMach allows us to scale Lako further by leveraging their tools, processes, and customer relationships. We are thrilled to join the ProMach team.”
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Lako will report to Don Deubel, senior vice president of ProMach’s flexible packaging business line.
“The addition of Lako to ProMach underscores our commitment to providing customers with robust products and aftermarket support,” said Deubel. “Lako’s consultative approach to solving complex technical challenges and their focus on lifecycle solutions will make ProMach an even stronger partner in the flexible packaging segment.”
Expanding capabilities in flexible packaging
Lako joins ProMach’s flexible packaging business line, which also includes Matrix Packaging and Bartelt Packaging. Both provide equipment for flexible products such as bags and pouches.
With the acquisition, ProMach adds capabilities in sealing, cutting, and punching for flexible packaging machines, enhancing its ability to serve customers across multiple markets.
Tracking packaging industry moves
Lako is the latest merger involving flexible packaging, following ProAmpac’s acquisition of TC Transcontinental Packaging from TC Transcontinental.
Other recent industry mergers include Coesia acquiring Swiss assets from the Rotzinger Group and Orbis expanding its thermoforming capabilities with Robinson Industries.
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