Glasgow packaging firm Kellpak, headquartered in Bothwell, has acquired cardboard and corrugated box manufacturer W&M Watson of Broxburn in a deal financed by part of a £4.5M package from Clydesdale Bank.
The purchase takes the 45-strong Kellpak Group’s turnover to £10.5M. Director Brian Kelly, who established Kellpak in 1993 as a plastic carrier bag supplier to the retail industry, says the acquisition makes the firm Scotland’s leading packaging wholesaler.
Kelly says: “Since 2000 we have aimed to grow the business through strategic acquisitions. The deal with W&M Watson draws on synergies and means we are now a full-service organisation positioned to become the north of the UK’s number one packaging wholesaler.”
The group’s 12-strong vehicle fleet will continue delivering to customers anywhere in the UK and Ireland within 24 hours.
Watson’s owners Karen Hagart and Kimberley Watson will remain as senior managers, with the company’s workforce all being retained.
Kelly says the firm is keen to expand further and will be seeking suitable acquisitions.