Auto-ID, data collection and barcode printer specialist Sato Corporation saw a 5.3% increase in its sales to EUR207M in the half year ended 30 September 2003 – the company’s largest ever consolidated mid-term rise. Sato attributes the record result to the successful implementation of its data collection systems and labelling business module, a surge in Japanese demand and new product launches.
SCA has acquired Dutch corrugated packaging company Vincor for SKr85M (EUR9.M. With 2002 sales of SKr148M (EUR16.1M), Vincor operates three conversion plants in the Netherlands, focussing mainly on short-run speciality corrugated packaging production.
Laser and inkjet printer manufacturer Domino had a record year in the 12 months to 31 October 2003 with operating profits up 23% compared with 2002, from EUR24.2M to EUR29.7M, and pre-tax profits leaping 29%, from EUR22.8M to EUR29.4M.
Linpac Plastics has acquired Italian plastic packaging counterpart Infia for an undisclosed sum. The two companies will be able to offer a full range of materials including APET, PP, expanded foam polystyrene, PVC films and complex barrier films. Infia employs over 300 people at its sites in Italy and Spain.
Gerresheimer Group subsidiary Nouvelles Verreries des Momignies has inaugurated a high performance smelting and production facilities for opal glass at its Momignies, Belgium plant. The EUR10M facilities will enable the plant to produce annually around 150M containers made of fine white or cream-coloured shimmering special glass for cosmetics and perfumes.
Loss-making flexible film producer Learoyd Packaging in Burnley has been acquired in a EUR2.17M management buyout from the API Group.