News

Linpac Materials Handling (LMH), the specialist in returnable plastic pallets and trays, has completed its acquisition of the European materials handling division of French firm Allibert-Buckhorn.

The deal, which was announced last autumn (Packaging News, November 2006), will expand LMH's range of returnable transit packaging products.

For the time being, the two firms will continue trading separately under the Linpac and Allibert brands, although the aim is to merge them into a single unit as soon as possible. The Buckhorn operations, based in the US, are retained by parent firm Myers Industries.

"The two entities complement each other well in terms of geography, products and markets served," said LMH retail manager Bob Evans. "Through integration, the aim is to build upon the best operating practices of both."

Managing director Laurence Tanty said the alliance would benefit both firms. "We can combine our talent and knowledge to deliver quality, innovative products and services to our customers," she said.

LMH, part of global packaging group Linpac, is known for its work in the retail, food and beverage sectors.

Last year it worked with the Federation of Bakers and Tesco to create a shelf-ready system for the transportation and display of sliced bread.

The system uses a single pallet throughout, eliminating the need for manual shelf filling and leading to time savings.

The tilted trays also mean that customers no longer have to stretch to reach the last loaf at the back of the shelf.

The acquisition of Allibert comes more than three years after the management buyout of Linpac from its founding family shareholders, which was supported by Montagu Private Equity.