“It’s our hope that we will potentially increase employment through the next few years as part of our growth process,” he said. “It’s our objective to remain a big part of Franklin and to further our business here in the community.”
Fairchild said the deal was mutually beneficial for both sides. The acquisition gives Ample’s state-of-the-art N-line machinery and high quality food service cartons the backing of a global company with a broad product range, strong management and financial stability.
In addition, Ample products get greater exposure via the world market, he said.
Huhtamaki North America gets a new product technology, a talented workforce and additional manufacturing presence in the Midwest.
“Ample Industries’ nested trays, fry cartons and clamshells further expand Huhtamaki’s product portfolio of tableware, cups, containers, carriers and serviceware,” said Huhtamaki North America President Clay Dunn.
The acquisition of Ample is the company’s second folding carton acquisition in three months. In September, the company acquired Paris Packaging Inc.
Huhtamaki also announced plans to expand capacity in the paper drink cup and pressed paperboard plate businesses for food service and retail customers in North America.
Established in 1997 as a five-person operation making nested carton packaging for the fast-food industry, Ample Industries now produces about 12 million cartons a day, or nearly 4.3 billion annually, Fairchild said.
The company designs and manufactures 250 products for quick service restaurant chains such as Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell, Buffalo Wild Wings, Subway and Arby’s.
Ample Industries’ net sales are approximately $60 million, according to a Huhtamaki.
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