Zeus Group enhances Vertical Integration Strategy with acquisition of Weedon Group

Zeus, the independently owned global packaging group, has announced its acquisition of the Weedon Group, one of the UK's largest independent integrated corrugated manufacturers. This acquisition underscores Zeus Group's increased focus on sustainable packaging, investing in paper-based solutions over plastic-based production.

Weedon Group has revenues in excess of £30 million per annum and over 250 staff across two UK locations in Manchester and Staffordshire. The acquisition of Weedon Group takes Zeus's expected annualised revenues to €560 million.

Keith Ockenden, Zeus Group CEO said: "The acquisition of Weedon Group is a key facet of Zeus Group's Vertical Integration Strategy. We now have robust in-house capabilities along the entire paper supply chain, from raw material processing to manufacturing, right through to distribution and retail. Our investment strategy is also focussing on paper-based solutions over traditional plastic-based production.”

“Zeus is dedicated to offering customers an independent alternative supply option from a globally positioned independent business focused on service and supply chain solutions within the packaging sector. These solutions facilitate innovation, efficiency, productivity, and profitability improvement for businesses looking to streamline and consolidate supply and standardise packaging products across their estate. Weedon and its team have a rich legacy of excellence and innovation in the packaging industry. We are delighted to finalise the purchase and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the Zeus family."

Zeus Group's recent strategic focus on investments in paper-based packaging solutions aligns with its commitment to reduce Scope 3 emissions. Keith Ockenden added: "Our commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative has put us on a path to net zero by 2050. While we continue to work on reducing our own Scope 3 emissions, our technical-based sustainability teams work with our account managers to support our customers in achieving their own sustainability goals.”

John Weedon, Managing Director of Weedon Group, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, "When taking the decision to sell the business, it was important we aligned with a business looking to invest and grow in the Paper and Corrugated sector. Zeus has demonstrated a commitment to the provision of complete sustainable packaging solutions for businesses along with added value services and continuous improvement principles that look to assist supply chain efficiency. The entire range of Zeus’s capabilities will complement our existing customer base, and as a combined business, we will offer a strong ‘independent’ alternative for those looking for packaging innovation, supply consolidation and supply chain efficiency."

The Weedon Group is an integrated manufacturer of corrugated packaging, including E-commerce, retail-ready packaging, prefilled point of sale display, and industrial transit packaging. Supported by its Manchester-based corrugator Weedon Group offers its customers full Retail expertise POS Fulfilment capabilities with bonded warehouse facilities plus full design and testing facilities.