AR Packaging Group AB has reported a 27-per-cent increase in net sales to €514 million for 2015 – growth that it mainly attributes to its acquisition of MeadWestvaco Corporation's European operations.
The Swedish-based group’s EBITDA margin for 2015 also rose by 12.2 per cent – the highest margin in its history.
Harald Schulz, president and CEO of AR Packaging, commented, "We have, over the last [few] years, gradually improved our value proposition in core segments, with a clear aim [of working] with customers with which we have a strategic alignment [to] create a mutually beneficial relationship.
“This, combined with relentless efforts to improve operational efficiency, reduce [our] cost base and create a winning, performance-based culture, has laid the foundation for strong improvement in profitability.”
Sales of branded packaging reached €268 million, a 63-per-cent increase on the previous year, while sales in the company’s tobacco segment were boosted by the acquisition from MWV.
Sales of food packaging totalled €103 million, a decrease of about 7 per cent, compared with 2014. In its financial statement, AR Packaging noted that foodservice has a solid position in the market with its unique product portfolio, and in 2015 had a decent level of sales.
Food and consumer goods were impacted by a challenging market situation, and the group says that it has taken measures to strengthen its position in this segment by offering innovative packaging solutions, as well as a high level of service.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Jenny Whelan. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
