Photo by Alpla Holding  

Plastics packaging giant Alpla Holding has continued its worldwide expansion with acquisitions in Egypt and Italy.

The Austria-based group will take over the Egyptian production site of Greek company Argo at the end of 2015. The facility is located around 30 km north-east of central Cairo, in the industrial area of El Obour. Argo has operated the Egyptian plant since 2011. The plant produces blow moulded containers and has around 50 employees.

"The acquisition of this branch is a second important step to further expand our presence in Africa," said Alpla CEO Günther Lehner in a news release on 30 November. Alpla’s first site in Africa was opened in 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

At the end of October, Alpla announced it would acquire Italian PET preform producer Plasco. Founded in 1995, Plasco has facilities in Anagni and Atella and produces more than 2.5 billion preforms per year.

“The company counts among its customer the main Italian and international beverage, milk, tinned food and fruit juice producers,” said Alpla.

Alpla Italia currently employs about 300 people in five production plants in Tortona, Anzio (two plants), Lomazzo and Ferentino.

No transaction price was announced for either of the acquisitions.