CJK Group adds label manufacturing with Viking acquisition

USA – CJK Group has acquired Viking Label & Packaging, bringing a 60-year-old independent converter into its fold and expanding the printing and publishing services organisation into label manufacturing.

The Nisswa, Minnesota-based business will operate as a standalone company within CJK Group, retaining its brand and current executive management team. 

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. 

Manufacturing and order fulfilment continue without interruption, and clients will maintain direct relationships with their existing sales and customer service representatives. 

CJK Group will absorb back-office functions including human resources, information technology and finance into its centralised shared services structure, allowing the converter to concentrate on production and customer retention.

Technical Capabilities Span Security and Tracking Formats

Founded in 1965, Viking produces custom pressure-sensitive labels and inserts, with a technical portfolio covering cold foil, embossing, multi-panel booklets, tamper-evident formats and outdoor-durable labels. 

The plant also handles variable data printing, QR codes and RFID inlay insertion and encoding, capabilities that serve customers requiring supply chain traceability, brand protection and compliance documentation across industrial, consumer and logistics applications.

Acquisition Complements Existing Print Portfolio

Chris Kurtzman, chief executive of CJK Group, said Viking had built an outstanding reputation for quality, responsiveness and partnership with its customers. 

He noted that the acquisition extended the group’s portfolio into label and packaging manufacturing, describing it as a natural complement to the print and production expertise across CJK Group. 

He added that Viking’s strength was its people, and that the group was committed to supporting the team as they continued to grow the business under the Viking name.

Leadership Cites Investment Capacity

Kim Larson, president of Viking Label & Packaging, said joining CJK Group gave Viking a long-term partner with the resources to help invest in people, equipment and capabilities.

Larson added that customers would continue to work with the same team they had come to know and trust, expressing enthusiasm about what the next chapter would make possible.

The transaction follows a pattern of consolidation across North American label converting, where independent operators seek partners capable of funding equipment upgrades and digital capability expansion as brand owners demand shorter runs, versioning and traceability features. 

Viking’s established customer relationships and specialised technical portfolio position it to benefit from group-level investment without disrupting service continuity.

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