Barry-Wehmiller acquires PCMC

Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, has signed a letter of intent to be acquired by Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc., of St. Louis, MO.
“This move will ensure the long term viability of the company,” said Frederick W. (Rick) Baer, president and CEO of PCMC.  ‘By combining forces with Barry-Wehmiller, we will be able to compete more effectively in the global marketplace.”   Paper Converting Machine Company operating facilities will remain in Green Bay and retain the PCMC brand name. 
Robert A. Chapman, chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc., said the two firms have been informally discussing joining forces for several years.  “Rick Baer and I are in agreement about the concept of building a strong American business, serving a balance of industries, while building on the rich history of both companies.”
Barry-Wehmiller has three dominant areas of expertise:  packaging automation equipment, corrugating and sheeting equipment and IT and engineering consulting.  It has more than 2,800 employees worldwide.
PCMC manufactures tissue converting equipment, packaging machinery, flexographic printing presses, nonwovens machinery and specialized converting machinery for a wide range of industries.  It has more than 1,200 employees worldwide.
Baer added, “Our leadership team looks forward to the opportunity to be part of a global organization that has demonstrated leadership practices which have resulted in 20% compound growth over the past 15 years.  We have identified synergistic opportunities in the sharing of technology, operational practices and resources to further strengthen PCMC.”
Chapman praised PCMC’s business lines.  “Over the years, PCMC has been credited with many industry firsts that have significantly impacted converting technology,” he said. “We plan to continue that tradition of innovation.”
The PCMC acquisition is the 31st for Barry-Wehmiller since 1987, and the largest in the firm’s history.  The combination of organic and acquisition growth is expected to increase annual revenues to more than $750-milion for the first time in the company’s 120 year history, with almost $200-million of that in global markets.