US-based Inteplast Group has acquired Perga, a plastics film manufacturer based in Walldürn, south-western Germany.
The deal marks Inteplast’s first move into Europe and brings Perga into the company’s engineered films division.
Perga was founded in 1970 and produces specialised films including pergafilm, allfolin and pergaloop, which are used in sheets, bags and packaging for various sectors. The company employs around 200 people at its Walldürn-Altheim facility.
Perga will now become the sixth manufacturing site within Inteplast Engineered Films (IEF), which operates five plants across the US. These are located in Massachusetts, Texas, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. With the acquisition, the IEF division will have nearly 500 employees in total.
Global network
According to Inteplast Group president Dr John Young, Perga’s reputation for technical film development and quality made it a valuable addition. He said the deal would connect Perga’s existing customers to a broader global network.
He added: “We see so many synergies with Perga on board. This being our first major investment in Europe, we could not have selected a better partner. Perga in turn could not have selected a better partner in Inteplast, and more specifically, in Inteplast Engineered Films.
“Culturally, Perga is so close to our manufacturing values, namely its continuous pursuit of excellence and devotion to its customers. In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to welcoming all of our Perga colleagues in person.”
Aligned ambitions
IEF President Bob Stein said the company sees alignment between Perga’s focus on quality and innovation and Inteplast’s goal of combining sustainability with engineered film production.
He said: “Perga’s 55-year-long history making high quality films is a perfect complement to IEF’s strategy. We see a strong mutual benefit between facilitating the introduction of Perga’s exceptional products into the Americas as well as adding more solutions for our existing customers that seek ultra-thin, sustainable products.”
Perga managing director Fabian Wilhelms said: “We’re very delighted and proud to become part of the Inteplast family. From day one, it was clear that there is huge strategic fit and shared values. The merger will support our strong market position. At the same time, it will accelerate the implementation of our strategy of internationalisation. I’m convinced that all parties can only benefit.”
