Green Bay, Wisconsin based Green Bay Packaging Inc. (GBP) announced the acquisition of SMC Packaging Group based in Springfield, Missouri. The transaction, which took place on May 31, marks a significant milestone for both companies.
GBP said that SMC Packaging Group, founded in 1972 by co-founders Ross Ausburn and Charles Bachus, has garnered an outstanding reputation for its innovative corrugated packaging solutions. With over 50 years of growth, expansion, and technological advancement, SMC Packaging Group operates across multiple locations in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
The company’s Midwest roots instill a strong work ethic, a commitment to safety, and a focus on delivering quality products, customized solutions, and exceptional customer satisfaction, GBP said.
“We are excited to unite two well-established, family-run businesses,” said Will Kress, Chairman and CEO of Green Bay Packaging. “We look forward to the continued growth and success of both SMC Packaging Group and Green Bay Packaging.”
Said Kevin Ausburn, SMC Packaging Group’s Chairman and CEO: “For over five decades, our employee-owners have diligently provided quality products in a timely manner to our customers. Simultaneously, we have fostered a profitable and successful company deeply rooted in community values.
“As SMC Packaging Group expands beyond our founder’s vision, we are ready to embark on the next chapter by joining Green Bay Packaging. Their shared commitment to employee well-being and community pride aligns perfectly with our philosophy.”
GBP Executive Vice President Bryan Hollenbach added: “We are thrilled to have SMC join the GBP family. SMC is known for the service and quality it provides its customers. SMC has a strong group of leaders who understand the value of Safety, Quality, Service and treating their employees with respect and dignity. SMC expands GBP’s geographic reach while being a perfect cultural fit. We are looking forward to working together to build our business.”
SMC Packaging Group will continue to operate as a corporation, 100 percent owned by Green Bay Packaging. Mark McNay, previously Vice President and General Manager of SMC, will become President of SMC Packaging Group, reporting to Bryan Hollenbach.
“We couldn’t be more excited about joining forces with the team from Green Bay Packaging,” said McNay.
“The opportunities are boundless as SMC sets our sights on the next 50 years of growth. Green Bay is the perfect fit — in that they complement the customer service, product quality, strategic vision, and culture that have provided the foundation for SMC’s success over the years.”
The strategic integration of SMC Packaging Group into Green Bay Packaging, Inc. establishes a strong presence in the Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma markets.
Started in 1933, GBP is a vertically integrated company consisting of corrugated container plants, a folding carton facility, recycled and virgin containerboard mills, pressure-sensitive label roll stock plants, timberlands, a paper slitting operation, and a sawmill facility. It operates 41 facilities in 16 states. For more information, visit gbp.com.
