Dutch plastic crate and tray manufacturer Schoeller Wavin Systems and Swedish counterpart Arca Systems have merged to form what they claim will be the world's largest manufacturer of plastic returnable packaging for material handling.
Schoeller Arca Systems will have a turnover of €520M, 1750 staff and over 30 production and sales operations in Europe and America. The two former rivals say there is "hardly any overlap" between the sites.
Schoeller Wavin claims to be Europe's leading crate and tray manufacturer for the beverage industry and pooling companies, while Arca holds a similar position in plastic returnable packaging for a variety of industries.
"We are now making a tremendous step forward," says Schoeller Wavin chief executive officer René Wolfkamp, who will also be chief executive officer of Schoeller Arca Systems. "The global market for returnable plastic containers is growing by 4-6% per annum due to the huge advantages over traditional materials like wood, steel and cardboard."
Arca chief executive officer Wiking Henricsson, to be vice-chairman of the group's supervisory board, adds: "Global companies like beverage producers, pool organisations and the automotive industry have an increasing need for global sourcing. We can now meet these demands and create global leadership built on the platform both companies have successfully developed."
