DS Smith, Plastics Division acquires Kaplast d.d.

VOJNIC, Croatia, Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DS Smith Plastics Division announces the acquisition of Croatian injection moulding company Kaplast d.d. — a manufacturer of plastic products specializing in added value returnable beverage and food packaging. The integration of Kaplast to DS Smith Plastics Division provides additional value to customers with increased manufacturing capabilities, service offerings and combined experience in innovative injection moulded transit packaging for a variety of industries.

Kaplast will be integrated into the DS Smith Plastics Division's Rigid Packaging Group — a leading manufacturer and supplier of Corrugated Plastics and Injection Moulded transit packaging solutions in Europe.

Hans Van Der Looij, Managing Director of DS Smith-Plastics Rigid and Flexible Packaging European group said: "The acquisition of Kaplast builds on our market leading position in Europe and will allow us to grow our injection moulded product offer in the region where we already have injection moulded and extruded plastic operations."

"We are excited to combine the strengths of these two dynamic organizations," said Ivan Feitl, General Manager of Kaplast, and now of DS Smith Plastics' Croatian operation. "Both DS Smith and Kaplast, are known for the value and quality we bring to clients. Together, we can bring a new energy and heightened strategic approach to those we serve by capitalizing on synergies and our expertise in injection moulding plastics packaging."

"Our shared niche markets will allow us to leverage our service offerings, combined experience, and industry knowledge," said Paul Baeyens, Managing Director of DS Smith Plastics, Injection Moulded Products. "In addition, by combining the resources of both companies, we can better meet the needs of our clients as they grow and expand."

ABOUT DS SMITH PLASTICS DIVISION

DS Smith, Plastics Division is a fast growing division of DS Smith Plc. — a € 5/ £4 billion plastics and packaging multinational with operations in more than 20 countries. DS Smith Plastic Division businesses are focused on three main areas: Flexible packaging and dispensing solutions; rigid packaging; and foam products. This is the first DS Smith manufacturing facility in Croatia.

DETAILS OF THE NEW OPERATION SITE:

The new DS Smith Plastics Division manufacturing facility is conveniently located at Kupljensko 75 B, 47220 Vojnic — 30 km from the city of Karlovac in central Croatia, 80 km from the Croatian capital Zagreb, and has easy access to main Croatian highways and sea ports. The operation plays a significant role as one of the main job providers in the municipality of Vojnic, an under developed area bordering Bosnia and Herzegovina.