UFP Industries has purchased the operating assets of John Rock, a pallet producer in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, US, in a transaction worth approximately $48m.

The deal extends the regional footprint of UFP’s PalletOne’s business unit in the north-eastern US.

UFP Industries bought PalletOne in 2020, acquiring all of its equity for $232m.

Owned by Kamps Pallets, John Rock makes new pallets in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

UFP Industries is taking over three of its four operating facilities: Coatesville, Pennsylvania; Mifflintown, Pennsylvania; and Bowling Green, Virginia.

The sawmill in Dilwyn, Virginia, is not part of the transaction and will stay with the seller.

According to UFP Industries, the three sites being acquired generate $82m in yearly sales and employ close to 250 people.

The agreement covers John Rock's main operating assets, allowing production and customer service to continue without interruption.

The facilities will become part of PalletOne’s existing manufacturing network.

UFP Industries said the purchase adds capacity in a key market and supports its packaging and industrial operations in serving customers across multiple regions.

UFP Industries CEO Will Schwartz said: "This acquisition is fundamentally about strengthening our core packaging business and expanding our footprint in a region where we see long‑term opportunity.

"John Rock has built a well‑established pallet manufacturing operation with strong customer relationships and experienced teams. Bringing this business into PalletOne enhances our ability to serve customers across the north-east and positions us to unlock value through operational synergies and scale."

Last year, UFP Industries acquired the assets of US-based pallets manufacturer C&L Wood Products, which was also integrated into PalletOne.