SATO invests in Nexgen Packaging

SATO provides barcode printing, labeling and EPC/RFID systems, while Nexgen Packaging is a global provider of apparel brand identification and packaging products.

Founded in 2006, Nexgen Packaging, a privately held company, provides brand identification products to both apparel manufacturers and retailers for their private label programs, focusing on the design, marketing, manufacturing and distribution of woven and printed labels, heat transfers, graphic tags, price tickets and item level RFID labels and tags.

Nexgen will continue to operate as an independent operation, and the current Nexgen management team will remain in place. Going forward, SATO and Nexgen will leverage strategic benefits from each other, such as mutual RFID development and deployment, as well as leveraging SATO's global footprint.

Kaz Matsuyama (pictured), president and chief executive officer of SATO Holdings Corporation, said: ‘We have seen healthy growth in our RFID business and Nexgen’s brand identification relationships and item level RFID experience are highly complementary to our own product strategy and growth initiatives.

‘The investment in Nexgen Packaging exemplifies our mission to grow internationally and complements the business models of both Nexgen and SATO alike.’

Andy Effron, managing partner of Nexgen, added: ‘Few companies have the depth of experience and focus on innovation in variable data printing and RFID-encoding as SATO.

‘Our new relationship with SATO strengthens Nexgen in the expansion of global operations and delivery of industry-leading innovation to better serve our customers. We are very excited about this partnership, and look forward to working closely with the SATO global team.’