Oji Fibre Solutions (OjiFS) has signed an agreement to purchase Cassowary Coast Cartons, expanding the fibre-based packaging producer's reach with a new packaging distribution centre in Far North Queensland.
Cassowary Coast Cartons is a carton erecting, distribution warehouse and retail outlet based in Innisfail, North Queensland.
Oji Fibre Solutions (OjiFS) is one of Australasia’s leading producers of market pulp, paper and fibre-based packaging, with aligned logistics and paper recycling services in New Zealand to help it close the loop on its value chain. It is part of the global Oji Group – the fifth largest pulp and paper conglomerate in the world.
PKN spoke to Jason Cairns-Lawrence, sales manager for the OjiFS Queensland operation, who explained that Innisfail will become the third distribution centre for the group's ‘Packaging Queensland’ box plant based in Yatala.
"The new DC will complement our existing DCs in Bundaberg and Mareeba, ensuring we're best placed to service customers in the wider Queensland State."
Cassowary Coast Cartons was founded by Jeff and Linda Trackson in February 2019. The pair worked alongside Matty Skinner and Amie Trackson to grow the operation into the largest independently owned packaging supplier in Far North Queensland. Skinner and Trackson will remain in the business to lead the sales and operation team.
OjiFS says this acquisition marks a significant step for the company in the Far North Queensland horticultural market and provides another example of parent company Oji Group's confidence for investing in the OjiFS Packaging Australia (PAU) Business Unit, as part of its broader growth and development plans.
"Matty is well known and highly regarded in the Cassowary Coast region and his detailed regional knowledge and packaging expertise will be important as we transition Cassowary Coast Carton clients to OjiFS," Cairns-Lawrence said.
Commenting on the aquisition. Matty Skinner said, “We are confident that the OjiFS acquisition of our family enterprise will result in the business being well positioned to meet the changing needs of our customers and take us to that next level of growth in North Queensland. We have full confidence with the OJI product range and in addition to the Cassowary Coast Cartons existing horticultural offering will result in a complete packaging solution to the market up here”.
Cairns-Lawrence added: “Oji Fibre Solutions is excited about the acquisition of Cassowary Coast Cartons. The Trackson family have built a significant reputation in the marketplace by providing excellent service and customer care. We look forward to continuing their approach and building on this success across the broader FNQ horticultural community.”
