WestRock acquires automated packaging machinery firm Linkx Packaging

Paper and packaging solutions firm WestRock has acquired automated packaging machinery firm Linkx Packaging Systems for an undisclosed amount.

The deal is expected to expand WestRock’s automated packaging system offerings portfolio.

Linkx offers automated packaging machinery such as single-order dispatch systems and fully integrated automation.

The company’s BoxSizer technology platform allows companies to produce multiple sizes of cartons on the same machine.

WestRock chief commercial officer and president Jeff Chalovich said: “We’re excited to add Linkx and its BoxSizer technology to our automated packaging systems portfolio.

“Linkx further differentiates our paper and packaging machinery offerings and helps us address the growing need for on-demand packaging, especially for e-commerce applications.”

As part of the deal, BoxSizer will be added to WestRock’s existing automated packaging systems portfolio, which includes the Box on Demand solution.

The company will use BoxSizer to reduce the height dimension of custom-sized boxes created by Box on Demand. It is expected to reduce empty space, void fill, materials, labour and shipping costs.

The technology solutions from both companies will also allow customers to reduce their shipping, warehousing and environmental costs by removing excess packaging material.

In November, WestRock completed the proposed acquisition of KapStone Paper and Packaging for approximately $4.9bn.

WestRock currently operates more than 320 operating and business locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with 50,000 employees.