Berlin Packaging has acquired O.Berk Company, a family-run supplier of plastic, glass and metal containers, closures and related packaging services.

O.Berk was established in 1910 by Osias Berk in Newark, New Jersey, US.

It started out supplying bottles and jars to nearby chemical plants and ethnic food businesses.

The company changed hands when it was acquired by Isaac Goldstein in 1925, starting a long period of family ownership.

Under Norbert Gaelen, who served as president from 1951 to 2006, O.Berk took part in the shift towards rigid packaging as plastic bottles and closures were introduced and brought to market.

The business is now led by fourth-generation owners Marc Gaelen, president and chief executive, and his sister Meryl Japha.

Marc Gaelen said: “We are proud to join forces with Berlin Packaging and excited for the opportunities this partnership creates.

“Berlin’s global supply chain, digital capabilities, sustainability expertise, logistics platform, and Studio One Eleven design services will enhance the solutions available to our customers and create new opportunities for our employees and suppliers.”

O.Berk has a presence in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland and Southern California. It supplies packaging products to beauty, personal care, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, household, food, beverage and other markets.

The company also runs BottleStore.com, an e-commerce website serving small businesses, entrepreneurs and newer brands seeking packaging supplies.

Berlin Packaging global CEO and president Bill Hayes commented: “Family-owned businesses like O.Berk bring deep industry expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep relationships with stakeholders.

“We are excited to bring our organisations together and build on that momentum for years to come."