Berlin Packaging absorbs 116-year-old O.Berk in strategic rigid container power play

USA – Berlin Packaging has acquired O.Berk Company, a 116-year-old family-run supplier of plastic, glass and metal containers, in a deal that expands the buyer’s presence across pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, beauty and personal care markets.

The acquisition brings O.Berk’s four U.S. facilities, located in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland and Southern California, under Berlin Packaging’s global umbrella. Financial terms were not disclosed. 

O.Berk, founded in 1910 by Osias Berk in Newark, New Jersey, originally supplied bottles and jars to nearby chemical plants and ethnic food businesses. 

The company transitioned to family ownership in 1925 when Isaac Goldstein purchased it, beginning a family legacy that now spans four generations under president and CEO Marc Gaelen and his sister Meryl Japha.

From 1910 Newark Startup to US$80 Million Packaging Force

O.Berk has grown from a local bottle supplier into a national packaging distributor with estimated annual revenue of approximately US$80.5 million and roughly 200 employees.

Under Norbert Gaelen, who served as president from 1951 to 2006, the company participated in the rigid packaging shift as plastic bottles and closures were introduced and brought to market. 

Today, O.Berk supplies plastic, glass and metal containers, closures and caps to beauty, personal care, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, household, food, beverage and other markets.

The company also operates BottleStore.com, an e-commerce platform serving small businesses, entrepreneurs and emerging brands seeking packaging supplies.

What O.Berk Gains from Berlin Packaging’s Global Machine

Marc Gaelen said that the company was proud to join forces with Berlin Packaging and excited for the opportunities the partnership created. 

He explained that Berlin’s global supply chain, digital capabilities, sustainability expertise, logistics platform, and Studio One Eleven design services would enhance the solutions available to O.Berk’s customers and create new opportunities for employees and suppliers.

Berlin’s North American Expansion Strategy Takes Shape

Berlin Packaging global CEO and president Bill Hayes said that family-owned businesses like O.Berk brought deep industry expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep relationships with stakeholders. 

He added that Berlin was excited to bring the organizations together and build on that momentum for years to come. 

The acquisition strengthens Berlin Packaging’s position in high-growth rigid container markets across North America, adding O.Berk’s design, custom tooling, decoration, warehousing, logistics, quality assurance and regulatory compliance services to its existing portfolio.

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