In a move aimed at capturing a share of the growing North American in-mould labelling (IML) market, speciality label and packaging producer CCL Industries (Toronto, Ontario / Canada; www.cclind.com) has partnered with Turkish IML producer Korsini-Saf (Izmir; www.korsini-saf.com). The two companies will invest about USD 20m in a new 6,500 m² IML plant to be located in Memphis, Tennessee / USA, and scheduled for start-up in mid-2016. The 50:50 CCL-Korsini joint venture will be located next to CCL’s speciality labels plant in Memphis.

Commenting on the jv, Guenther Birkner, president of CCL’s Label Food & Beverage business, said, “IML for injection moulded containers was successfully introduced in Europe some years ago and we now see a similar development in this rapidly growing decoration technology in North America.” He added that Korsini already exports to the region, clarifying that CCL’s role in the jv will be to support local manufacturing, provide market access and manage administration.

Founded in 2004, IML specialist Korsini Saf operates three plants, two of which are located in Turkey while another is situated in Milan / Italy. Its 210 employees last posted sales of about USD 50m. About 90% of its output is exported, with its network spanning more than 50 countries. The US has become its fastest growing export market, group CEO Enrico Corsini said. The company purports to be the only global producer capable of uniting offset, rotogravure and flexo printing techniques under one roof.

CCL Industries operates 102 production facilities in 29 countries, with a total global workforce of about 10,800. The company is divided into three businesses – CCL Label, CCL Container and a consumer arm, Avery. More than 50% of group sales are generated in North America, with Europe accounting for 28%. CCL posted net earnings of almost CAD 217m (about EUR 155m) in 2014.