Schur Flexibles (Baden / Austria; www.schurflexibles.com) has strengthened its presence in the premium packaging sector for confectionery and tea. The Austrian company has acquired several producers from the Clondalkin Group (Utrecht / The Netherlands; www.clondalkingroup.com). These include Cats-Hänsel, which comprises Cats Flexibles Packaging in Rotterdam / The Netherlands, and Hänsel Flexible Packaging in Freital / Germany, along with Nimax in Elst / The Netherlands.

Cats produces waxed paper and barrier film packaging for premium confectionery, while Hänsel is a leading manufacturer of flexible packaging for twist and fold wraps used by confectioners. Nimax produces high-quality tea tags and envelopes as well as inlay sheets for tobacco packaging.

The three locations, which employ about 135 people, generated sales of more than EUR 30m in 2017. Schur said the acquisitions will likely increase its turnover to more than EUR 400m in 2018. The company's current turnover for wax, paper and film packaging used in just the confectionery segment is EUR 80m.

"These companies fit perfectly into our growth strategy. In parallel, we are investing in our plant network to build up our highly specialised production locations further and thus creating additional added value for our customers," said Michael Schernthaner, managing director of the Schur Flexibles Group. “We are continuing our expansion strategy and see alongside organic growth further opportunities for acquisitions,” he added.