Italian Automobile Supplier Expands Reach with Acquisition of Two Berry Global Plants

SAPA, an Italian automotive supplier, has recently made public the acquisition of two production plants from the US packaging group, Berry Global. These plants, which are situated in the Netherlands and Estonia, were originally part of Promens, later acquired by RPC in 2015, and subsequently became part of the Berry group in 2019.

The Dutch facility in Zevenaar focuses on the manufacture of components for trucks and other utility vehicles, and is equipped with 28 injection moulding machines featuring clamping forces ranging from 400 kN to 32,000 kN. Its sister plant in Rongu, Estonia complements its operations. Together, the two plants achieved sales of EUR 105 million and provide employment to 600 individuals.

By making this strategic acquisition, SAPA is not only enhancing its presence in the utility vehicles market, but also stands to gain access to significant new customers, including Volvo, Scania, and Daimler Truck. Additionally, this move is projected to boost SAPA’s pro-forma turnover beyond the EUR 400 million mark.

Under the leadership of founder Angelo Affinita, the family-managed SAPA group specialises in the manufacturing of vehicle interior, bodywork, and engine compartment parts. The company is well-regarded for its one-shot technology, which enables the production of parts in a single process.

It is worth noting that the sale of the two plants is presumably a component of Berry’s recently announced cost-cutting measures, indicating a strategic decision to streamline operations and focus on essential business areas.

This acquisition demonstrates SAPA’s dedication to expansion and diversification within the automotive industry, solidifying its position as a leading player in the market.

The acquisition of these two prominent plants signifies a significant milestone for SAPA, further enhancing its production capabilities and market presence. With this move, the company is positioned to leverage the expertise and resources of the acquired plants to accelerate its growth and meet the evolving needs of its customers.