Donegal Gaeltacht company acquired by American-based manufacturer
A Donegal Gaeltacht company that makes food packaging for a broad range of customers – including multiples like Tesco, Asda and Pret a Manger – has been acquired by an American-based manufacturer of flexible plastic and paper packaging solutions.
Terms of the acquisition of R.A. Pacáistí Teo (Rapid Action Packaging – RAP) by ProAmpac Holdings, LLC, were not disclosed, but a statement issued this afternoon said the acquisition was made “with a view to expanding its manufacturing capabilities to produce primary packaging for ready-to-eat and freshly prepared foods and broadening its sustainable product offering for retail food markets.”
RAP, which is based in the Údaras na Gaeltachta Business Park in Gaoth Dobhair, currently employs up to 200 people.
The statement says it will maintain all of its operations at its manufacturing facilities in Gaoth Dobhair and in London.
The acquisition is also described as “the significant expansion opportunity that R.A. Pacáistí Teo (RAP) have been striving for in recent years at its cutting-edge manufacturing facility in the Donegal Gaeltacht and has been achieving significant milestones in its considerable growth since 1997”.
ProAmpac now has 37 manufacturing sites globally, with nearly 4,800 employees supplying more than 5,000 customers in 90 countries.
It says its objective is to continue to grow the business and provide a work environment where employees feel secure in their jobs.
“The company will continue with its strategic growth to remain the market leader and while RAP will change its name to ProAmpac, there will be minimal changes to the company’s existing policies, procedures and operations.”
Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said the investment by ProAmpac in the rural Donegal Gaeltacht represents a vote of confidence in the world class standards that have been achieved by R.A. Pacáistí Teo, and is a welcome boost at the start of the New Year.
“Over the past year, we have seen Gaeltacht companies show determination and courage in a particularly challenging environment brought about by the global pandemic and by Brexit.
“This positivity has served them well and will, no doubt, reap considerable benefits for both RAP and ProAmpac into the future.”
Greg Tucker, CEO of ProAmpac, described RAP as an excellent addition to the ProAmpac family.
He said that with this partnership, the company is “extending our product reach in food service to now include primary, fresh food packaging to our portfolio, and we will continue to bring innovative ideas and products to a growing customer base.”
