Employees purchase flexible-packaging converter Packaging Concepts

Packaging Concepts has been sold to its employees. PCI is a manufacturer of flexible packaging and custom, folded-paperboard packaging serving consumer-packaged goods and specialty foodservice end markets (above). PCI is reportdly the world’s leading manufacturer of microwave-popcorn bags and North America’s leading manufacturer of theater concession packaging. The transaction closed on Oct. 10.

A family business at its roots, PCI was founded in 1972 in Lake Geneva, WI, by Joseph F. Irace and relocated to St. Louis in 1982. Today, PCI serves a global customer base of cinemas, quick-service restaurants, personal-care companies, food & beverage manufacturers, stadiums, arenas, and more. Over its 50-year history, the company has earned a reputation for its best-in-class manufacturing capabilities and value-added customer service.

Packaging Concepts second-generation owner and current CEO John Irace comments, “Our dedicated and long-tenured team has been the lifeblood of our company. It’s only fitting that we transition ownership of PCI to our employees to carry on the legacy of innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction that made us a market leader today.”