UFP Packaging Strengthens Its Pallet Manufacturing in the Upper Midwest with Berry Pallets Acquisition

UFP Packaging Expands Upper Midwest Pallet Manufacturing

UFP Packaging, a well-known division of UFP Industries, announced a notable step forward in its growth strategy with the recent acquisition of Berry Pallets, Inc., located in Waseca, Minnesota. This acquisition marks an important expansion into the Upper Midwest, allowing UFP Packaging to enhance its national pallet manufacturing network.

The CEO of UFP Packaging, Scott Worthington, articulated the company's vision for building a truly national network. Rather than simply establishing a presence and bypassing later developments, the goal is to find suitable businesses within targeted markets, investing in them and increasing their capacity. Berry Pallets exemplifies the type of operation UFP seeks; it boasts a strong management system, customer loyalty, and a trusted reputation in its market.

By acquiring Berry Pallets, UFP Packaging not only gains a respected facility but also strengthens its service capabilities. Worthington emphasized the significance of this acquisition in terms of creating a robust foundation to both support existing national customers and attract new ones. Moreover, the efficiencies gained through this expansion will translate into direct value for customers, enhancing service delivery across the region and beyond.

Justin Elwell, Executive Vice President of PalletOne—a subsidiary of UFP Packaging—further reinforced the strategic alignment of this acquisition. He highlighted that Berry Pallets represents everything UFP looks for: a well-run operation with a loyal customer base and a team knowledgeable in their respective markets. Elwell stressed that UFP Packaging's role will be to provide stability, investment, and an array of resources to further the growth of Berry Pallets without disrupting the factors contributing to its previous success.

As UFP Packaging continues to construct its national framework, a key goal is to achieve a dual focus: enhancing depth and reach. This means acquiring well-established businesses with proven performance records, committing resources to their growth, and developing a multi-regional platform that can drive efficiencies and offer customers versatile service advantages. This strategy is consistent with UFP Industries’ capital allocation policy, which emphasizes investments in core sectors and the strategic expansion of manufacturing capacities in crucial markets to better serve customers across packaging and industrial applications.

UFP Packaging’s location in Grand Rapids, Michigan, positions it strategically not only for this acquisition but also as a main player in the North American packaging landscape. As the largest producer of wooden pallets and crates across the United States, UFP Packaging aims to utilize this new acquisition to reinforce its stature and capability to respond to more extensive customer needs.

In summary, the acquisition of Berry Pallets signifies a crucial evolution for UFP Packaging, providing a solid platform for future growth in the Upper Midwest. By investing in successful local operations like Berry Pallets, UFP is poised to deliver enhanced service and broaden its reach throughout North America, supporting customers from coast to coast with reliable, efficient manufacturing solutions. Whether it’s providing pallets to supply chains or engaging in further innovative practices, UFP is steadily advancing its mission to be a leader in the industry.

For more information about UFP Packaging, you can visit their official website at www.ufpi.com.