Seaman Paper Expands Operations in Germany with Julius Glatz Acquisition

Seaman Paper's Strategic Acquisition in Germany

Seaman Paper Company, a well-established family-owned business specializing in sustainable packaging solutions, has taken a significant step towards expanding its operations in Europe. On December 17, 2024, they announced the acquisition of Julius Glatz GmbH, a pioneer in the field of specialty papers and packaging, based in Neidenfels, Germany. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing Seaman Paper's existing capabilities in specialty paper and positioning both companies for sustainable growth in the European market.

Founded in 1885, Julius Glatz GmbH has been a prominent player in producing high-quality technical specialty products. The merger allows Seaman Paper to strengthen its presence not only in Germany but across the European continent. The transaction also emphasizes the commitment of both companies to sustainability and innovation in their respective sectors.

According to Kenneth Winterhalter, CEO of Seaman Paper, the alliance with Glatz represents a natural progression in their longstanding relationship. He stated, "Glatz has been a trusted partner for many years, and we are confident that this acquisition will lead to fruitful collaborations that combine our strengths and enhance our capabilities in high-quality specialty products."

With this acquisition, the 240 employees from Glatz will transition into Seaman Paper's global team, while the Julius Glatz GmbH will operate as an independent entity. The preservation of the Glatz brand is intended to solidify its market position globally, starting from its base in Germany. Bernd Firmbach and Thomas Fritz have been appointed as the Managing Directors, while former Managing Director Nina Ritter-Reischl will transition into an advisory role until the middle of 2025.

The acquisition strengthens Seaman Paper's existing German operation, which focuses on tissue and crepe paper production, having established a presence in Rastatt since 2015. By connecting these two companies, Seaman Paper aims for a more robust foothold in the niche market of specialty paper that caters to a diverse range of industries including retail, e-commerce, and food service.

Seaman Paper's dedication to renewable resources and energy-efficient practices resonates well with the values held by Glatz. The combined forces of these two family-run businesses are poised to lead the charge against single-use plastics by offering innovative paper-based solutions that meet the sustainability needs of today’s consumers.

In her comments regarding the acquisition, Nina Ritter-Reischl expressed satisfaction in the alignment of values between the two companies, stating, "Our culture as family-owned businesses shares a deep respect for tradition while looking forward to innovation. This partnership ensures that we can continue providing excellent products while expanding our capabilities and reach."

As Seaman Paper moves forward with its plans to enhance production capacities at Glatz's facilities, the focus will also intensify on exploring new markets and developing new product lines that take advantage of Glatz's technological expertise. This strategic vision aligns well with Seaman Paper’s goal of reinforcing its leadership position in the specialty paper industry, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward achieving greater market dominance.

The acquisition not only provides a strong competitive edge in the industry but also reinforces the commitment of both companies to their customers, delivering an even wider array of specialized solutions. With such promising prospects on the horizon, the collaboration between Seaman Paper and Julius Glatz GmbH signals a robust future filled with potential for innovation and market growth in the realm of sustainable packaging solutions.