Savannah’s Colonial Group Inc. has announced the launch of its new, wholly owned subsidiary, MaschioPack North America LLC, which will manufacture and sell what it calls Composite Intermediate Bulk Containers — or IBCs — in the North American market.
An IBC is a stackable industrial plastic container used to transport and store liquid bulk substances such as chemicals, food ingredients and pharmaceuticals. The cube-shaped containers are designed to optimize storage space and be easily moved by forklift or pallet jack.
MaschioPack North America will manufacture the containers in their most common sizes — 275 gallons and 330 gallons — with production expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
The new venture will generate more than 50 jobs, although where the first manufacturing facility will be located has yet to be determined.
“It will be in the Southeast,” said Pete Brunn, who will lead MaschioPack North America as its vice president and general manager. “We hope to announce the exact location within the next few weeks.”
This is the first foray into manufacturing for Colonial Group, a third-generation family-owned company founded in Savannah in 1921 and currently ranked 59th on Forbes List of America’s Largest Private Companies. Its history is rooted in the marketing, retailing and distribution of petroleum products for transportation, industrial and marine applications.
“This is a very successful company that was looking to diversify,” Brunn said. “MaschioPack, founded in Italy by Pietro Maschio, is a very stable business with a market that is growing every year.”
Robert H. Demere, Jr., president of Colonial Group, agreed.
“We knew after our first visit to Europe that we wanted to support MaschioPack’s drive to emerge as the world’s leading IBC producer,” he said. “Mr. Maschio and his team focus on long-term results that maximize the customer’s experience, and they invest accordingly, just as we have since 1921.”
Maschio first began producing industrial packaging in 1972. He now has manufacturing plants in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. Maschio also designs proprietary manufacturing equipment and systems for blow molding and plastic applications, Brunn said.
“These complementary capabilities give MaschioPack unmatched efficiencies in producing high quality, innovative and cost effective industrial packaging,” he said.
While Colonial Group is the sole owner of MaschioPack North America, it operates under a license granted by Maschio to produce his product with his equipment, Brunn said.
When up and running, the new plant will use state-of-the-art equipment to blow-mold the container inside a galvanized metal cage that will be attached to a pallet. The containers can be used to ship and store any liquids that are compatible with high-density polyethylene.
“This alignment is a tremendous advance for MaschioPack’s global footprint, further expanding our ability to deliver the highest standards of quality, service and innovation to our customers across the Atlantic,” Maschio said, calling the agreement a “unique cultural alignment between two great family companies.”
Brunn agreed, adding the North American venture is well-positioned for growth.
“Having spent most of my professional career in the IBC industry, I have never encountered a man more driven than Mr. Maschio to be the best in the eyes of the customer,” he said.
“Our goal is to build on that legacy, plain and simple.”