The takeover of Landis Plastics Inc (Chicago Ridge, Illinois / USA; www.landisplastics.com) by Berry Plastics Corp (Evansville, Indiana / USA; www.berryplastics.com) for USD 228m was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2003. Landis operates five domestic facilities supplying the US market. With a turnover of USD 212m the company produces injection moulded and thermoformed plastics packaging containers for dairy products and other foodstuffs.

Berry itself was bought by Goldman Sachs for USD 837m in 2002. The company operates 327 injection moulding machines for the production of PP as well as PE aerosol overcaps, closures, drinking cups and plastic open-top containers for food and industrial applications. In 2002, the company posted a turnover of USD 494m with a total net result of USD 32.6m.

Speaking to PIE, a Berry spokesperson disclosed plans for a further European expansion. At present, the company has two European production sites, Berry Plastics UK Ltd (GB-Norwich NR28 0TY; www.berryplastics.co.uk) formerly Norwich Injection Moulders Ltd, purchased in 1998, and Capsol Berry Plastics spa (I-20040 Colnago; www.capsol-spa.com). Capsol was taken over by Berry in October 2000. On average, the company with 70 employees and 40 injection moulding machines produces 1.8m closures per day. Another 90 people are employed at the Norwich facility.