Clondalkin acquires Harlands of Hull

The specialist packaging division of the Clondalkin Group has acquired Harlands of Hull in the UK. Clondalkin’s packaging division specialises in cartons, labels, leaflet inserts and plastic cards, and has operations in the United Kingdom (Boxes Prestige, Boxes GH and Ditone Labels), in Ireland (Guy & Company and Guysal), in the Netherlands (Boxes LPFC and Linde), in Poland (Boxes Prestige) and in the United States (BBF Labels, Plastic Cards and Inserts).
Ian Wright, md of Harlands, comments: ‘We are very excited about becoming part of the Clondalkin Group. We were initially attracted by Clondalkin’s well established reputation for investing and developing the businesses it acquires by backing company management. When we explored the opportunity, the many tangible benefits were compelling. The acquisition gives Harlands immediate access to deeper investment and people resources than we could ever hope to access on our own. It also introduces us to the extensive product market geography and technology reach supplied by Clondalkin Group’s specialist packaging division.’
Wright also cited Clondalkin’s strong development and experience in Eastern Europe. ‘This is a fast growing market for us, and we will be able to access Clondalkin’s existing manufacturing base and experience in these markets to improve Harlands products service, supply and delivery.’
John Fitzgerald, CEO of Clondalkin’s specialist packaging division, commented, ‘The acquisition is a great fit as we complement Harlands main markets and technologies very well. Our priority is to continue to develop Harlands well established supply position into the UK health and beauty, toiletries, alcoholic beverages and premium food markets. We will also fast track Harlands development in Eastern European markets by adding local manufacturing capacity to complement our already well established manufacturing operation in Poland.’