In addition to its mother plant in Auckland, New Zealand, Pacific Inks has subsidiaries in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, China and the UK.
The division of operations between the mother plant and the regional mixing plants facilitates outstanding productivity. With a product line-up cantered on packaging inks for corrugated board, Pacific Inks enjoys a particularly favourable reputation for its environment-friendly water-based flexo inks, according to DIC.
Commenting on the acquisition, Ian John told Australian Printer, “We decided on this acquisition as we wanted to position ourselves in the packaging industry and water based inks was a potential growth market for us
“We will now be able to offer packaging printers and brand owners a more complete solution across their packaging media.”
In a statement on its website, DIC outlines that demand for packaging inks remains firm in developed countries—reflecting rising living standards and the prevalence of individual packaging for many items—and in the Asia–Pacific region is expected to grow by about 10 per cent annually for the foreseeable future.
The statement continues, “This acquisition will enable DIC to add water-based flexo inks to its portfolio and strengthen its operations, particularly in the Asia Pacific region where environmental awareness is increasing rapidly.
“This, together with Pacific Inks’ proprietary Accubatch system and DIC’s own extensive range of products and global network, will position DIC to respond effectively to expanding demand for packaging inks.”
Erik Marjo has stepped down as group managing director of Pacific Inks, however DIC will continue to utilise the Pacific Inks team, who have now become DIC employees. Moreover, with the exception of the Auckland mother plant, the Pacific Inks facilities will be consolidated into DIC pants.
DIC forecasts the acquisition will add around Yen2.5bn to annual net sales by fiscal 2015.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter