The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, Ind., USA reports that in a deal announced Tuesday, July 7, Welch Packaging Group is merging with American Corrugated Products, a Columbus, Ohio-based company that specializes in packaging for the automotive industry. Combined, the companies have 900 employees across six states.

"American Corrugated Products has a mix of custom packaging solutions built on strong design capabilities which fits the Welch model like a glove," Welch founder and CEO Scott Welch said in a statement. "This expands the talent, design and niche products that we can bring to our customer while broadening our automotive industry expertise. American Corrugated Products customers will greatly benefit from Welch’s geographic coverage and product capabilities."

Welch Packaging was founded in Elkhart in 1985 and has facilities in Elkhart, Marion, Indianapolis, Chicago, and three Ohio plants in Columbus, Cleveland and Toledo.

American Corrugated has plants in Jackson, Mich.; Evansville, Ind.; Morehead, Ky.; Columbia, Tenn., and Dyersburg, Tenn. 

A statement from Welch Packaging did not specify how or if the companies’ leadership would be consolidated or how the merger might impact the people currently working at the companies. Calls and emails to a Welch company spokesperson for comment were not returned Tuesday afternoon. 

 

 

In photo: Welch Packaging management training program participant Brittany Martin works on the plant floor during her shift Wednesday, June 18, 2014.

 

Welch Packaging has grown significantly in the last few years through the acquisition of other box-making companies. In May 2014, it acquired Go Packaging in Lombard, Ill., and in March 2014 it bought Marion-based Indiana Corrugated. In November 2013, officials announced the acquisition of Nova Packaging, also in Marion.

While this merger helps Welch extend its reach nationally, the company is also looking to expand in Elkhart. In March, the company announced plans for a $16.54 million expansion expected to create 118 jobs. The expansions would happen at its locations at 1020 Herman St. and 1130 Herman St., where it now has 203 employees.

The Elkhart Common Council on April 6 granted the company tax a abatement for the project that will save Welch Packaging an estimated $870,032 over five years.