S. Walter Packaging Group Acquires Pulver Packaging

–Amplifies Full Spectrum of Custom Packaging Capabilities— 

Trevose, PA – January 3, 2023 – S. Walter Packaging Group (SWPG), one of the premier custom  packaging solutions providers in the U.S., today announced an agreement to acquire Elk Grove,  IL-based Pulver Packaging, one of the premier manufacturers of folding cartons and paperboard  packaging.

The acquisition means S. Walter now has the ability to provide all-inclusive services to customers  looking for fully customizable packaging solutions. These services include design, sourcing, printing,  fabrication, enhancement, warehousing, inventory management, fulfillment and delivery.

“We are always looking for opportunities that will provide additional value to our broad base of  customers and this acquisition allows us to offer a one-stop shop for turnkey customized packaging  solutions,” said Kurt Koloseike, President and CEO of S. Walter Packaging Group. “For more than a  century, S. Walter has been committed to developing and refining packaging solutions for companies  and brands of every size in a multitude of industries and verticals. This acquisition is a testament to  that commitment,” he added.

“For more than 65 years, Pulver Packaging has been an industry leader with a reputation for exceeding  our customer demands, and this acquisition means our customers now have more robust, next-level  solutions for all their packaging needs,” noted Patrick Pulver, President of Pulver Packaging.”

The Pulver Packaging operations will remain in Elk Grove, IL, and will become part of LPI, a Milwaukee,  WI-based division of SWPG, known for helping customers distinguish their brands with distinctive,  custom packaging solutions that include custom graphical printing, high-end enhancements and  finishes coupled with advanced digital technology capabilities.

“LPI has always been a leading provider of new solutions for our packaging and graphic finishing  customers and this acquisition will allow us to bring more innovative solutions for our clients,” said  Mike Draver, Senior Vice President and General Manager of LPI. “We look forward to working with the  Pulver Packaging team to expand our manufacturing platform and leveraging our extensive design,  graphic printing and graphic finishing solutions to provide limitless possibilities for our clients.”

About S. Walter Packaging Group 

Walter Packaging Group is North America’s premier custom packaging solutions company special izing in the design, manufacturing, warehousing and delivery of products and services that are purpose-built to enhance the brand image of its more than 40,000 customers. With nearly 120 years of  experience and expertise, S. Walter Packaging Group continues to provide innovative custom packaging and logistics solutions to the retail, consumer products, industrial, medical and advertising special ty industries, combined with the best-in-class, value-added services. For more information, please visit swpackaginggroup.com 

About Pulver Packaging 

Since 1958, Pulver Packaging has strived to become the most competitive and consistent manufacturer of quality paperboard packaging for a wide variety of industries. The major markets we serve are the  food, cosmetics, hair care, hardware, household, and the software industries. By investing in state-of the-art equipment, creating a friendly work environment, and having a customer-first philosophy, Pulver Packaging has come to be known as both an industry leader and partner. Although our reputation was  built on rapid turnaround times, high-quality standards and low prices, it is our customer-first mindset  that truly separates us from others in the industry.

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Media Contacts

Suzanne Hamm
On Brand Communications
T: 901-834-1670 mobile
E: suzanne@onbrandcommunications.com

OUR BRANDS

Kurt Koloseike
President and CEO

Kurt is a proven and respected leader, managing Private Equity backed growth companies with revenues in excess of $100 million. He is responsible for overseeing all key corporate operations and functional areas. Kurt has led these companies through start-up, early-stage development, growth stages, and transaction stages with specific emphasis on capital formation, allocation, and return of capital. Kurt has spent 25+ years as an entrepreneur, chief executive officer, and chief operating officer in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare technology and services, consumer products, and textile products.

Kurt’s breadth of experience and understanding encompasses several categories of operations including, strategic business development, finance, technology development, sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution, both domestic and international sourcing channels to name a few.

Kurt earned his MBA from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Marketing from West Chester University.

Steve Kochanski
Senior Vice President and CFO

Steve Kochanski is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the S. Walter Packaging Group.

Steve is a highly accomplished, financial executive with a track record of delivering results in complex and challenging environments. He is responsible for the finance, human resources, and technology and equipment functional areas of S. Walter. Steve has lead midmarket companies within the industrial manufacturing and distribution industries. He is a trusted, strategic partner with a lean management background that emphasizes the establishment of key performance indicators to maximize capital position and drive operational and financial efficiencies. Steve is experienced in financial analysis, working capital management, strategic planning and business development, acquisitions and divestitures, technology development, and team building and performance.

Steve graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Rider University and is a CPA in the State of New York.

Robert Cunningham
Senior Vice President and COO

Robert Cunningham currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the S.Walter Packaging Group (SWPG), as well as the President of the Uniflex division of the company.

During his 28-year career with S. Walter, Robert has received many awards and is a recognized leader in the sales and operations of the packaging industry. He is currently responsible for all operational functions and oversees sales for the Uniflex division. Robert began his career as a graphic artist and has held multiple leadership roles including: Art director, Production Manager, Plant Manager, and Vice President of Operations. Robert has managed multiple major IT projects and ERP implementations, plant closures, warehouse builds and moves, in addition to process improvements, and strategic buying. He has worked on MMA deals as a seller and a buyer and has experience with three current equity partnerships during his tenure at SWPG. Robert has steadily increased sales and developed key strategic relationships with large distribution customers. He has served on multiple industry committees and understands the importance of being a mentor to other suppliers in the industry.

Robert earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from SVA in Advertising and Graphic Arts in New York City.

Mike Draver
Senior Vice President and General Manager

Mike Draver is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the LPI operations within the S. Walter Packaging Group.

With 25-plus years of demonstrated performance in the print, in-store display and specialty packaging industries, Mike is a results-driven leader who is always striving to position LPI, S. Walter’s packaging and finishing division, at the forefront of growth and innovation. Mike has led various companies through transformative growth cycles by identifying new market opportunities, developing talented teams and driving operational excellence. An authentic leader known for providing front-line leadership, Mike excels at setting a clear vision and goals, attracting and growing talent and providing overall leadership and direction for strategy, operational performance and business development to deliver consistent, sustainable business results.

Mike earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology, Graphic Arts Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Gordon Summerfield
Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Gordon Summerfield currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the S. Walter Packaging Group (SWPG).

With over 38 years of experience, Gordon has seen the development of various products and markets giving him a keen sense of market shifts, technological innovation and product enhancements. Notable events have been the shift from traditional brick and mortar retail to online ecommerce and a greater focus on sustainable packaging products.

As owner and President of Summerfield Packaging, Gordon was responsible for all facets of the company, including sales, finance and operations. During his tenure, revenues tripled through organic growth and three acquisitions.

At. S.W Packaging (SWP), Gordon supervises more than 50 sales representatives, has transitioned four SWP acquisitions and oversees all marketing activities, including digital, for the company.

Gordon graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He has been an active member of the packaging industry trade associations, including being a founding board member and past president of the Retail Packaging Association.