The Hanna family has sold its folding carton printing business to global paper and packaging outfit WestRock for $75m.

Hannapak is Australia's biggest independent folding carton printer, It is based in North Richmond, NSW, and was established half a century ago in 1967 by Charles Hanna. The company converts approximately 30,000 tons of paperboard into folding cartons, including for the past 18 years WestRock’s beverage packaging customers. 

The business has been led in recent times by Charles’ son Sam Hanna, who joins WestRock, and will continue to lead the acquired operations.

The sale lessens further the number of major independent folding carton printers in Australia, with rivals Colorpack bought  by US Graphic Packaging last October, and Graphitype selling its packaging arm to CCL five year ago.

WestRock operates around the world and has some 45,000 staff in more than 300 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

“Hannapak has built an outstanding folding carton business in Australia based on superior capabilities and customer service,” says  Steve Voorhees, chief executive officer of WestRock. 

“We have a strong relationship with the company and the Hanna family, based on an 18-year partnership as one of our key converting partners in the region, and we are excited about the clear cultural and operational fit between the two companies.

“This acquisition expands our geographic footprint to better serve global and local customers, and will enable us to improve WestRock’s beverage packaging business in the region while expanding our participation to a variety of other attractive end markets.”

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