Wausau Coated Products (WCP) and Herma Group have entered into a partnership aimed at expanding product offerings and jointly developing new markets. The two companies plan to leverage each of their complementary strengths to inspire customers with a broader range of solutions.
Ben Reif, president and CEO of WCP, highlighted the synergy between the two companies, noting that Herma’s multi-layer technology enhances the capabilities of standard self-adhesive materials for complex applications. Meanwhile, Herma’s managing director Dr Guido Spachtholz praised WCP’s expertise in specialty labels for the wine, spirits, and beverage industries, making them a preferred partner for label printers and users beyond the US. Despite this collaboration, both companies emphasise that they are not pursuing a merger or equity participation.
The partnership will initially focus on marketing products under their respective brand names. WCP will distribute Herma materials in Mexico, where Herma has not previously operated.
Additionally, Herma will introduce WCP’s specialty materials for wine and spirit labels to selected European markets, starting in the UK. Herma’s director of sales international Harald Wallner expressed enthusiasm about the British market’s potential, particularly for high-quality structured paper used by whisky and gin producers. The Herma UK subsidiary will distribute these products, ensuring short delivery times, Herma stated.
Mr Spachtholz concluded: “The owners in both cases are known for taking a very long-term and forward-looking approach. Stable and reliable partnerships have therefore always been an important basis for the development of our companies. The shared spirit, the hands-on mentality and the absolute customer focus of both companies make for a perfect match. We are very much looking forward to what lies ahead.”
