Green Bay Packaging acquires Missouri-based box maker

Wisconsin-based Green Bay Packaging Inc. (GBP) has acquired SMC Packaging Group, Springfield, Missouri, a producer of custom corrugated boxes, displays, packaging materials and equipment.

SMC Packaging Group, founded in 1972 by Ross Ausburn and Charles Bachus, operates from multiple locations in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“We are excited to unite two well-established, family-run businesses,” says Will Kress, board chair and CEO of GBP, which this decade has invested to build a new recycled-content paperboard mill in Green Bay, Wisconsin. That mill consumes several recovered paper grades, including mixed paper and old corrugated containers (OCC).

The acquisition of SMC marks at least the third such transaction this decade for GBP. In 2020, the firm acquired Third Dimension Inc., Geneva, Ohio, and in 2022, GBP acquired Interstate Packaging Corp., Albert Lea, Minnesota.

"SMC has a strong group of leaders who understand the value of safety, quality, service and treating their employees with respect and dignity," GBP Executive Vice President Bryan Hollenbach says of the latest acquisition. "SMC expands GBP’s geographic reach while being a perfect cultural fit. We are looking forward to working together to build our business.”

“As SMC Packaging Group expands beyond our founder’s vision, we are ready to embark on the next chapter by joining Green Bay Packaging,” says Kevin Ausburn, SMC board chairman and CEO. “Their shared commitment to employee well-being and community pride aligns perfectly with our philosophy.”

SMC Packaging Group will continue to operate as a corporation that is 100 percent owned by GBP. Mark McNay, previously vice president and general manager of SMC, will become president of SMC Packaging Group, reporting to Hollenbach.

“We couldn’t be more excited about joining forces with the team from Green Bay Packaging,” McNay says. “Green Bay is the perfect fit in that they complement the customer service, product quality, strategic vision and culture that have provided the foundation for SMC’s success over the years.”

GBP is a vertically integrated company consisting of corrugated container plants, a folding carton facility, recycled and virgin containerboard mills, pressure-sensitive label roll stock plants, timberlands, a paper slitting operation and a sawmill facility.