Seamus Lafferty, president of Accraply Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., USA, has announced the acquisition of Harland Machine Systems ltd., Manchester, England. Harland specializes in the design and manufacture of a comprehensive range of high quality, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective self-adhesive (pressure-sensitive) labeling machinery.

The acquisition further strengthens Accraply’s ongoing commitment to the self-adhesive labeling industry in Europe and expands Accraply’s global footprint. The addition of Harland within the family of Accraply, Trine, Graham, Sleevit, and Stanford brands complements Accraply’s position as a global provider of a complete range of labeling and shrink sleeve application and converting equipment and services. The new partnership also complements Accraply’s position in markets served with the added advantage of Accraply’s multiple manufacturing, engineering and service centers in North America and Europe, which support the company’s extensive sales and service networks worldwide.

Founded 44 years ago, Harland has become one of the most respected and trusted labeling manufacturers in the world.  Harland’s dedication to innovative research and development and the unparalleled range of labeling machines has solidified them as a market leader.

"The acquisition of Harland complements our existing self-adhesive business with robust technology, a global sales and service network, and a dedicated team that brings experience, passion, and a determination to deliver exceptional performance for our customers," Lafferty stated. "I am proud to welcome Harland to the Accraply and Barry-Wehmiller family, and I look forward to the combined knowledge and experience of our teams making an immediate and positive impact in the market."

With the Harland acquisition, privately-held Barry-Wehmiller, headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., USA, grows to 84 acquisitions. Since 1987, when it began a robust acquisition strategy, Barry-Wehmiller has experienced significant growth and anticipates revenues will surpass $2.4 billion in 2016.

"It gives me great pleasure to introduce the team members of Harland to the people-centric culture of Barry-Wehmiller. We look forward to many years of creating value together," said Bob Chapman, Barry-Wehmiller chairman and CEO.

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting, and paper converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $2+ billion organization with 11,000-plus team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world. CEO Chapman shares the story of the company’s transformation in his new book, Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family.