Zeus bolsters portfolio with acquisition of print and packaging firm James Hamilton Group

IRELAND – Irish packaging supply chain firm Zeus Packaging has acquired print and packaging firm James Hamilton Group for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition is part of Zeus Group’s 2023 growth strategy to expand its revenues beyond €500 million (US$541.4m).

With an annual sales total of €18m (US$19.65m) and 120 employees, James Hamilton Group supplies packaging, label production, office supplies and PPE solutions across various sectors such as retail, food and beverage, logistics and distribution.

Zeus Group CEO Keith Ockenden said: “We are tremendously excited about the prospects of this acquisition of one of Northern Ireland’s oldest packaging businesses.

“By harnessing the synergies between Zeus and James Hamilton Group across the island of Ireland, we can offer a more comprehensive range of solutions and manufacturing capabilities.

“Our commitment is to deliver exceptional value to our customers while driving innovation and sustainable practices.”

By joining forces with James Hamilton Group, Zeus said it will expand its current offering in the food and retail packaging sector, leveraging “the combined purchasing power” and “unlocking operational efficiencies” across the companies’ combined operations in Northern Ireland.

The acquisition expands Zeus’ product portfolio and service capabilities while bringing local manufacturing expertise in printed packaging.

James Hamilton Group managing director Keith Hamilton added: “We have enjoyed watching our business expand and evolve during its 100-year history, we are delighted to have finalized an agreement with Brian and his team.

“We needed to find a partner who shared the same ‘family’ values as ourselves, a business who will further invest, look after our staff and importantly, bring a more enhanced offering to our loyal customers.”

Upon completion of the transaction, James Hamilton will continue to work under its brand, using its prevailing manufacturing expertise and management team.

Zeus Group’s growth strategy

The Zeus Group has been expanding its global presence since 2019, with 51 locations worldwide.

They have embarked on a series of acquisitions, including Dublin-based Essential Supplies and Aldar Tissues, Limerick Packaging, UK firms Smith & Bateson, Van Der Windt and Vaiopak Group, Plasti-Cart in the Canary Islands, Petruzalek in Austria, and Polpack in Poland.

In April, the company opened a 70,000 sq ft logistics facility in Watergrasshill, Cork, Ireland.

The US$15.54 million (€14m) facility off the M8 will act as a distribution hub from the Munster region and will create 40 new jobs over the next 18 months.

Once fully operational the Munster hub will accommodate 12,000 pallets of various products. O’Sullivan said that this year, the company expects to achieve US$54.88 million (€500m) in revenues.

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