The News
Midland, a provider of packaging and performance solutions, announced the acquisition of Wetoska Packaging Distributors, a family-owned business based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Founded in 1958 as Tobin-Stahr, Wetoska was renamed after Bob Wetoska purchased it in 1987 and has since become a leader in food packaging materials and equipment. The acquisition enhances Midland's capabilities in the food sector by combining Wetoska’s expertise with its nationwide distribution network.
The Takeaway
- Family Legacy Matters: Wetoska started in 1958 as Tobin-Stahr and was transformed by Bob Wetoska, who built a reputation for innovative food packaging. This history gives Midland a trusted name in the beer and beverage industry, especially with their focus on meat and cheese processors, which overlaps with craft beer packaging needs.
- End-to-End Solutions: The acquisition helps Midland expand its end-to-end packaging solutions, giving them more control over supply chain logistics for beer and other beverages. This is particularly important as breweries look for reliable partners that can handle everything from labeling to distribution.
- Regional Reach Boosts Beer Packaging: Wetoska's presence in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, adds Midland’s national footprint with local expertise in food packaging, which is crucial for craft brewers who need custom solutions for their unique products like seasonal ales and stouts.
Original Press Release
Midland, a leading provider of packaging, paper, and performance solutions, announced its acquisition of Wetoska Packaging Distributors, a family-owned specialist in food packaging materials and equipment based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. This acquisition enhances Midland's capabilities in the food sector by combining Wetoska's decades of expertise with Midland's nationwide distribution footprint and will deliver greater value to customers.
Wetoska's roots trace back to the Tobin-Stahr Company, founded in 1958. In 1964, Tobin-Stahr hired former Chicago Bear Bob Wetoska to sell Dow Chemical's Saran S shrink meat bags to Chicago meat and cheese processors. Bob's efforts help grow vacuum packaging in the 1970s. In 1987, Bob purchased Tobin-Stahr and renamed it Wetoska Packaging Distributors. Under Bob's leadership, Wetoska delivered innovative food packaging solutions and transformed the food packaging industry. In 2001, Bob passed down the stewardship of the company to his five children. Steve Wetoska, President, along with Matt, Katherine, Alexis, and Victoria, continued the tradition of building innovative packaging products and custom solutions tailored to the most complex problems in the meat, fish, dairy, cheese, bakery, and snack markets. Today, Wetoska is recognized as a market leader in the food packaging sector.
The acquisition aligns with Midland's growth strategy to expand its end-to-end packaging and supply chain solutions, particularly in high-demand end markets. This move will allow Midland to better serve food processors and manufacturers across the country, helping to fortify the U.S. food supply chain. Wetoska's operations will continue under the leadership of the Wetoska family, with integration efforts focused on delivering expanded products and capabilities to its customers.
"We are thrilled to welcome Wetoska Packaging Distributors to the Midland family," said Mike Graves, CEO of Midland. "Wetoska's reputation for quality, innovation, and personalized service perfectly complements our commitment to helping customers produce, protect, and promote their products. This acquisition not only bolsters our food packaging expertise but also reinforces our dedication to delivering sustainable and efficient solutions that drive customer success."
Steve Wetoska, President of Wetoska Packaging Distributors, added, "Joining forces with Midland represents an exciting new chapter for our team and customers. Midland's resources and national reach will enable us to expand our offerings while maintaining the high-touch service our customers have come to expect. We look forward to contributing to Midland's growth and continuing to support the food industry with best-in-class packaging solutions."
About MIDLANDMidland is one of the nation's largest independent paper and packaging distributors, serving over 10,000 customers across a diversified set of industries. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and long-term partnerships, Midland's product portfolio is bolstered by its ability to provide comprehensive solutions through its value-added services including packaging design, equipment & automation, converting services, and performance marketing. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Midland operates on a national scale while maintaining a strong local service model. For more information, visit www.midlandco.com.
About Wetoska Packaging DistributorsWetoska Packaging Distributors is a family-owned provider of food packaging materials and equipment, serving the food industry for over 60 years. Located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Wetoska specializes in customized packaging programs that emphasize quality, reliability, and service. Wetoska takes pride in working with its customers to meet the unique needs of their individual businesses. For more information, visit www.wetoska.com.
Source: PR Newswire