Diversified Labeling Solutions Expands RFID Label Offering

The Mayr-Melnhof Group has reached an agreement to acquire Kotkamills Group Oyj from the previous owners for an enterprise value of around EUR 425 million; this corresponds to approximately 7.8 times the EBITDA of the last twelve months. With the takeover of Kotkamills, MM Karton will expand its position in the attractive market for virgin fiber board (FBB) and Food Service Board (FSB) and complement its established market position in recycled cardboard. The planned transaction will have an immediate impact on earnings. Kotkamills operates two cardboard/paper machines at the integrated location in Kotka (southern Finland): one FBB / FSB cardboard machine, which was commissioned in 2016 after an investment of more than 180 million EUR, with a current sales volume of around 260,000 t and one planned capacity of 400,000 t; a machine for Saturated Kraft Paper / impregnation paper with a capacity of 170,000 t, which makes the company one of the world's leading suppliers. Kotkamills employs around 500 people and in the last twelve months achieved an EBITDA of around EUR 55 million on sales of around EUR 380 million.

A comprehensive examination of the framework conditions has shown that it is not possible to continue production on the board machine in Hirschwang an der Rax, Lower Austria, economically. The age and design of the machine (year of construction 1952) as well as increased market requirements prevent continued existence. 150 employees are affected, discussions about a social plan have already been started. The supply of customers from other plants of the Mayr-Melnhof Group is guaranteed. The result of the cartonboard division is expected to be impacted by around EUR 25 million, the greater part of which is due to depreciation. The Hirschwang site is to concentrate on the existing folding box production (Neupack) with 215 employees in the future. Investments to strengthen the location in this area are being examined.

Silgan Holdings Inc. announced that, as part of the continuation of its long-term succession planning, its Board of Directors has appointed Adam J. Greenlee as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective September 1, 2021. Mr. Greenlee will also continue as President of the Company. Mr. Greenlee joined Silgan in 2005 and ran its North American Closures operations prior to being appointed Executive Vice President of the Company in October 2007. Mr. Greenlee was named Chief Operating Officer of the Company in 2009 and was appointed President of the Company in April 2019. Tony Allott has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since March 2006, only its second CEO since its founding in 1987. Mr. Allott will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of the Company. “Adam and I have worked closely together on every major activity of Silgan for the past decade and he has been responsible for the oversight of each of our operating businesses in recent years. Just as importantly, Adam understands and personifies the unique culture of our Company and has consistently shown his ability to deliver results as Silgan has continued on its path of growth and success. While I am sure his leadership will explore new ideas and opportunities, I am equally confident it will be founded on the ideals and principles that have served us so well in the past,” said Tony Allott, Chairman and CEO.