InterFlex Group, a leading flexible packaging supplier with operations in the US and UK, has completed the integration of Star Packaging, which it acquired in 2014. Star’s Atlanta and Tampa facilities have been closed, all production equipment has been relocated and all Star customers are now being serviced out of InterFlex’s US facilities.

InterFlex has also announced that it has completed a significant capital investment plan over the past year. Highlights of the investment program include the purchase of two new 10 color
wide-web flexographic presses and three new lamination lines that are capable of running solvent, solvent-less and aqueous adhesives, a variety of decorative coatings such as registered matte over-print varnish, high barrier and other functional coatings and multi-plex structures. Investments in additional new pouch and slitting equipment were also made.

“With the Star consolidation and capital investment activities now complete, InterFlex is uniquely positioned to support the future growth and product development needs of its customers,” says Stephen Doyle, president and CEO. “We are one of few flexible packaging suppliers with the capacity to seamlessly service our customers out of multiple US and UK locations. Our equipment base is second to none, and InterFlex possesses virtually all of the capabilities in-house to develop and manufacture increasingly complex packaging structures.”

To facilitate the integration of Star’s operations and the new equipment purchases, InterFlex completed a multi-million dollar expansion to its Wilkesboro, NC, USA printing facility and constructed a new 180,000 square foot converting and warehouse facility nearby.

The company’s Merrill, WI facility also underwent an extensive redesign to improve workflow, accommodate new equipment and expand warehouse capacity. Similarly, in the U.K., InterFlex expanded its print facility in Dalkeith and its warehouse capacity in Sunderland.

“To complement our physical assets, footprint and sales resources, InterFlex has more than doubled its technical team over the past two years and is opening a state-of-the art technical lab in the Fox Valley area later this year,” explains Mike Dennis, vice president of marketing and sales. “We now have a dedicated team of 11 professionals with the necessary skills in packaging engineering, chemistry and food science to support new product development, improve product quality and value and assist our customers in the field.”

“InterFlex’s customers include some of the most sophisticated and demanding consumer packaged goods companies in the world,” adds Graham Tilley, UK managing director. “The substantial investments we have made in assets and people over the past year ensure that we will be in a strong position to provide world class product innovation, quality and service to these customers and support their future growth.”