BJ Ball will take over API Foils after the two companies announced a ‘strategy’ partnership, which will see the paper merchant expand its product range of foils, films and laminates. API Foils will no longer exist as a business in Australia and New Zealand after the takeover, which will being to take effect from April 1. The API branded products, which are manufactured in the US and UK, will be sold in Australia and New Zealand exclusively by BJ Ball. Speaking with the Australian Printer, Jason Brown, BJ Ball self-adhesive and synthetics manager, says, the paper giant has been chasing API Foils for a takeover for the last six months. “We are excited that BJ Ball can extend its product range in the sector and can now offer our clients API’s products, which will be distributed across Australasia, broadening our existing offering to label printers, carton makers and other customers in the graphics sector.” API Australia general manager Leo Ivica, who has been offered a similar position at BJ Ball and will move with key sales and production staff, leaving four employees jobless, was not available for comment. Will Oldham managing director of API Foils Europe says the company is ‘grateful’ for the contribution of the local employees in developing API’s foils business in Australia and New Zealand. Oldham says, “We are confident that this partnership will deliver improved service to customers and open up new opportunities for growth on BJ Ball extensive infrastructure and sales converge across the region.” API Group, which has its headquarters in the UK, has four plants in England and North America. The company is the manufacturer and distributor of foils, films, and laminates used primarily to enhance the visual appeal of the products and packaging.

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