Welch Packaging Group, Inc. has acquired JaMar Packaging of West Chicago, IL. Specific terms of this agreement were not disclosed.
Founded in 1979, JaMar Packaging focuses on creating corrugated packaging solutions. JaMar employs JIT, Vendor Managed Inventory and Kanban practices to efficiently meet customer needs. Owners Jeff Heise and David Maday, along with long-time business associates Julie and Dave Reich, will continue to lead JaMar Packaging and will join Welch Packaging to serve new and existing customers in greater Chicagoland.
Left to right: JaMar owners, Jeff Heise and Dave Maday.
“We are delighted to expand our presence in this region and welcome Jeff, David and the Reich’s to our management team, along with the dedicated associates at JaMar,” stated Scott Welch, President and CEO, Welch Packaging. “I have known Jeff for many years and the combination of our businesses will be of great benefit to JaMar customers and their associates. Our expanded capabilities, combined with the experience and commitment of the JaMar team will be a win for customers and the Chicago market. Also, our network of sheet plants will give JaMar associates opportunities to grow. Our collaboration with JaMar aligns with our mission of acquiring top-tier independent sheet plants with strong leadership teams and integrating them into our family of companies while maintaining their legacy.”
The acquisition of JaMar Packaging represents Welch’s 40th acquisition — which happens to coincide with the company’s 40th anniversary. “We want to be an umbrella or safe ground for businesses who are finding it difficult to compete,” said Welch. “They may have strong relations with their associates, they really care about their customers, and they’ve been active in their community, but they just don’t have a good option. With technology and capital costs being so high, it’s not easy to compete anymore. In that circumstance I want that business owner to see Welch Packaging as a possible lifeline, a way for their legacy to continue.”
Welch Packaging first entered Chicagoland in 1994, and JaMar will become its third sheet plant facility serving this market. For JaMar customers and associates, this acquisition reinforces Welch’s commitment to serve customers across a seven-state area with broad capabilities while providing a great associate experience.
“We are excited to join the Welch Packaging family of companies,” stated Heise and Maday. “Becoming part of the Welch sheet plant network, backed by their sheet feeder system, will enable us to offer enhanced product capabilities, design resources, and additional services to both existing and new customers, while also providing a strong cause for our team members.”
