One of Australia’s leading machine builders, HMPS has now concluded the acquisition of Integrated Machinery from Pro-Pac Packaging Group (PPG). This follows the purchase of ProPac Industrial 18-months ago.
Bag it, box it, wrap it…
Integrated Machinery is a Melbourne-based manufacturer of stretch wrapping machines, equipment, and systems, which HMPS CEO, Mark Emmett describes as the “missing piece of the puzzle.”
Mr Emmett adds that the acquisition of Integrated Machinery signals the company’s commitment to the industry as a complete packaging solution provider.
“By combining forces, we bring more than half a century of packaging automation to our customers,” Mr Emmett says.
Integrated Machinery adds an end-of-line range that complements HMPS’s current offering, while Propac Industrial manufacturers Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) systems.
“No packaging problem is too complex, and our customers can now enjoy a complete packaging automation solution,” Mr Emmett said.
HMPS was initially formed in response to South Australia’s booming wine industry in 1980 and has since evolved to deliver a vast range of packaging systems for customers both locally and internationally.
“Today HMPS more than 50 team members strong and as one of the only remaining local companies in the industry, we pride ourselves on being Australian designed and engineered,” Mr Emmett said.
A powerful packaging cohort
In addition, the acquisition of Integrated Machinery looks to strengthen the company’s manufacturing capacity and increase its footprint.
“We are very excited about our extended footprint. We can now offer manufacturing sites and resources in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne; of which Melbourne makes up 40% of HMPS’s customer base. Having people on the ground in these regions, especially with ongoing lockdowns and challenges around Covid is a great benefit,” Mr Emmett adds.
He describes the synergies between the cohort as ‘endless.’
“We’re able to strategise and identify key areas of growth for our customers. We can come up with holistic solutions and deliver expertise across the entire packaging line – from start to finish.”
What really stands out about this acquisition is the welcomed boost for local equipment manufacturing.
According to Mr Emmett, there is a growing demand for locally built equipment and this acquisition further allows them to tap into that by building capabilities in Australia.
“We’ve hired a dozen people in the last four months, we’re taking on more apprentices, and seeking out more project and mechatronics engineers. It also opens doors for our employees to move interstate, gain new experience and grow in their roles,” Mr Emmett said.
“Business is about synergy and collaboration. We remain open to further possible opportunities.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Integrated Machinery General Manager Samantha Saunders concludes by saying: “Personally, after 18 years with the Integrated Packaging Group (now Pro Pac Packaging Group), I am delighted to take up the opportunity to move across to HMPS, looking forward to all that will bring while still being able to work closely with and support the team at PPG.”
HMPS, Propac Industrial and Integrated Machinery will be exhibiting together on Stand K27 during foodpro 2021 from 10-13 October at the Sydney Showgrounds.