The global packaging group Zeus has announced its acquisition of the Weedon Group, one of the UK’s largest independent integrated corrugated manufacturers.
The acquisition by independently owned Zeus underscores its commitment to sustainable packaging, investing in paper-based solutions over plastic.
Weedon has revenues of over £30 million per annum and over 250 staff members across its two UK locations, in Manchester and Staffordshire.
The acquisition of the Weedon Group means that Zeus’s expected annualised revenues will rise to €560 million.
Zeus Group’s recent strategic focus on investments in paper-based packaging solutions aligns with its commitment to reducing Scope 3 emissions.
‘Innovation, Efficiency, Productivity’
The chief executive of the Zeus Group, Keith Ockenden, said of the merging businesses, “The acquisition of Weedon Group is a key facet of Zeus Group’s vertical integration strategy.
“We now have robust in-house capabilities along the entire paper supply chain, from raw-material processing to manufacturing, right through to distribution and retail.
“Our investment strategy is also focusing on paper-based solutions over traditional plastic-based production.
“Zeus is dedicated to offering customers an independent alternative supply option from a globally positioned independent business focused on service and supply chain solutions within the packaging sector.
“These solutions facilitate innovation, efficiency, productivity, and profitability improvement for businesses looking to streamline and consolidate supply and standardise packaging products across their estate.
“We are delighted to finalise the purchase, and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the Zeus family.”
On the company’s environmental goals, Ockenden said, “Our commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative has put us on a path to net zero by 2050.
“While we continue to work on reducing our own Scope 3 emissions, our technical-based sustainability teams work with our account managers to support our customers in achieving their own sustainability goals.”
‘Invest And Grow’
John Weedon, the managing director of Weedon Group, said, “When taking the decision to sell the business, it was important we aligned with a business looking to invest and grow in the paper and corrugated sector.
“Zeus has demonstrated a commitment to the provision of complete sustainable packaging solutions for businesses, along with added-value services and continuous improvement principles that look to assist supply chain efficiency.
Weedon concluded, “The entire range of Zeus’s capabilities will complement our existing customer base, and, as a combined business, we will offer a strong ‘independent’ alternative for those looking for packaging innovation, supply consolidation, and supply chain efficiency.”
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