Two packaging rivals in East Hampton and Stratford have merged their operations in time for an expected turnaround in their business, the companies said Thursday.
Hi Tech Packaging of Stratford acquired Alternative Solutions Inc. in East Hampton for undisclosed terms. Hi Tech had 18 employees before the merger; Alternative Solutions four.
Each has been in business for more than 20 years.
Michael Testa, principal of Alternative Solutions, joins Hi Tech as sales vice president.
“This acquisition will expand our product line, increase our geographic coverage area and help us better serve our customers throughout the Northeast,” said Hi Tech President Michael Rappa.
Hi Tech, which specializes in industrial and commercial packaging, adds Alternative Solutions’ extra foam fabrication capacity, plus expands its heat treat-certified wood shop. The acquirer also gains design expertise in consumer-oriented packaging, such as corrugated cartons and foam and sealed-air packaging, Rappa said.
Hi Tech will keep Alternative Solutions’ East Hampton distribution center.
“With the region’s economy about to return to healthy growth,” he said, “we anticipate increased demand for all types of industrial and consumer packaging.”
