Schütz acquires Gem Plastics
Schütz is now starting to expand its product range with the acquisition of Gem Plastics, a large and well established manufacturer of jerrycans and drums. Using this acquisition it is clear that Schütz are looking to capitalise on a growing market and to expand their portfolio within the packaging market.
Schütz UK, first set up in 1990, has always operated out of its manufacturing plant in Worksop, just outside of Sheffield and Nottingham. Nine years later in 1999 Schütz Ireland also sprung up to supply the UK and Ireland with IBCs and Drums whilst keeping lead times and potentially lengthy imports/exports to a minimum. Whilst Schütz have always been the leaders in the IBC and drum market, they had never really taken much interest in the manufacture or supply of jerrycans, or so everyone thought. Towards the end of October, Schütz signed a purchase agreement for 100% of all shares in GEM Plastics Limited, based in Cavan Ireland.
Gem Plastics have been manufacturing plastic industrial packaging for some 30 years, covering a wide range of sectors within the chemical industries such as lubricant, food, fuel and pharmaceurical companies. From these three locations now Schütz customers will be supplied effectively and quickly with IBCs and drums, but will also now benefit from a fantastic range of jerrycans.
Roland Strassburger, the CEO of the Schütz Group was quoted saying “We are very pleased about this strengthening of the Group in these important geographical markets. In the future, we will be able to offer our local customers the most comprehensive range of products and services in the
industrial packaging sector. GEM and SCHÜTZ fit perfectly together and we thank Alec Milligan, the founder and owner of GEM, for his confidence in entrusting us with his company”
