“This legitimizes packaging solutions as a core business for Mac Papers, bolsters our team of packaging experts and furthers the company’s footprint across the Southeast.”

Mac Papers announced today that on Nov. 1, it completed its acquisition of Alles Inc., a full-scale distributor of packaging products, systems and services out of Hialeah, FL. This is Mac Papers’ largest acquisition to date outside of our printing paper business, signifying the company’s commitment to diversifying its core business offering and becoming a key player in packaging distribution. The terms of this acquisition were not disclosed.

“When Mac Papers opened its doors in 1965, we used to say “paper is all we do.” A lot has changed in nearly 50 years,” said Sutton McGehee, Chairman and CEO of Mac Papers. “While we aim to be the most valued and respected paper distributor, we’re diversifying our core business to be sustainable in a declining paper market. This strategic acquisition underscores our commitment to becoming a bigger player in the packaging industry by combining our strong product and distribution expertise with Alles’ geographical footprint and increased scope of services.”

The Alles footprint includes offices and distribution centers in Tampa and Jacksonville, FL, as well as Louisville, KY, a new location that furthers Mac Papers’ footprint across the Southeast. Alles will continue operations out of its facilities for the first 30-60 days, until it moves into Mac Papers warehouse locations in those regions. The Louisville facility will continue to operate as is.

The deal adds 48 packaging experts, servicing technicians and customer service professionals to better serve Mac Papers’ growing packaging customer base and to provide more comprehensive integration and servicing solutions for customers.

Mac Papers anticipates sustained growth from its packaging line of business, accounting for a greater percentage of its net sales across the company and resulting in better volume pricing from core suppliers. The company also anticipates new relationships with additional suppliers as a result of the company’s growing presence across the industry.

Mac Papers views the acquisition of successful packaging distributors as an opportunity for continued growth of our packaging business. In Dec. 2012, the company acquired All Packaging Supplies, a distributor of industrial and food service packaging supplies located in Pembroke Park, FL. Mac Papers also acquired Orlando, FL-based Redd Paper Company in Nov. 2011, which included packaging and wide format printing divisions.