Outlook Group acquires ABX plant

Outlook Group has completed the acquisition and integration of ABX – Innovative Packaging Solutions' Pewaukee, Wisconsin facility, which adds specialty label production, more flexible packaging capacity and conductive film printing to the Neenah-based printed packaging provider.

The Pewaukee site, with its equipment, customer relationships and production team, is now fully part of Outlook Group, a portfolio company of Aterian Investment Partners, and brings it to three Wisconsin locations alongside its two Neenah facilities. Conductive film printing includes in-house ink formulation for medical and electronic applications, and joins the company's pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons and contract packaging. Terms were not disclosed.

Pewaukee's production, quality and customer service staff have all stayed on, and the facility has completed its ISO 9001 recertification under Outlook Group ownership. Customers of both organizations continue to work with the same people. 'The equipment mattered, but it wasn't the reason we did this deal. Conductive film printing is difficult work, and the Pewaukee team has spent years getting it right. We acquired a group of people who know how to do something very few converters can do. Our job since the deal closed has been to make sure they have what they need to keep doing it,' said Clay Davis, CEO of Outlook Group.

Alongside the acquisition, the company has introduced a refreshed brand with a new logo and updated look, which is live across its website, social channels and customer communications. The name, the people and the Neenah headquarters are unchanged. 'Customers don't choose us for a press. They choose us for the people standing behind it,' added Davis. 'The refreshed brand says that out loud, and Pewaukee gives us more of those people.'

Aterian Investment Partners backed the deal. 'The Outlook Group team executed this acquisition the way we hoped they would, quickly, carefully, and with the Pewaukee team brought along from day one. Pewaukee adds capabilities to the platform that are hard to replicate, and it reflects what drew us to Outlook Group: a strong management team and a high-touch service model. We look forward to continuing to support the company's growth, both organically and through additional acquisitions,' noted Ryan Miller, managing director at Aterian Investment Partners.