Alpla expands in south-eastern Europe

With the acquisition of the Greek company Argo S.A., the Austrian specialist in packaging solutions Alpla is looking to continue its growth. The Greek site marks Alpla’s first production facility in the country.

Alpla Holding GmbH acquired the Egyptian production site of Argo S.A at the end of 2015. Alpla is now planning to purchase all shares in the Greek company. The Austrian and Romanian competition authorities are currently examining the proposal. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval.

"Our goal is to build expertise in the pharmaceutical market at our Greek location in the future. We can see potential for growth in this industry and can make use of existing expertise" explains Alpla CEO Günther Lehner.

Extensive experience, international and national customers

Argo S.A., founded in 1970 and based in Athens, has branches in Greece (Koropi/Athens) and Romania (Berceni/Bucharest). Argo has been a specialist in packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical and personal care markets since its foundation.

Around 270 employees now mainly produce bottles, cans, dispensers and closures for pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, crop protection and chemicals, as well as for veterinary medicine. Its customers include well-known international and regional companies.

The contracting parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price or any of the details involved. The acquisition was signed on 5 July and is subject to legal and regulatory approval from the competition authorities.

Alpla is one of the leading companies involved in plastic packaging. Around 19,300 employees worldwide produce custom-made packaging systems, bottles, closures and moulded parts at 176 sites across 45 countries. Alpla operates its own recycling plants: PET Recycling Team with two sites in Austria and Poland, and in the form of joint ventures in Mexico and Germany. The high-quality packaging is used in a wide range of areas, including for food and drinks, cosmetics and care products, household detergents, washing and cleaning agents, pharmaceuticals, engine oils and lubricants. Alpla celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2015.

Source: Alpla Holding GmbH