Elkhart, Indiana, USA 07 July 2015 -- Welch Packaging Group, a leading Elkhart, Ind.-based manufacturer of corrugated packaging, has completed its merger with American Corrugated Products, announces Scott Welch, chief executive officer for Welch. American, with headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, is an independent box manufacturer focused on the automotive industry. The asset purchase of American was completed July 2.

"This merger brings great value to both organizations," said Welch. "American Corrugated Products offers a mix of custom packaging solutions built on strong design capabilities which fits in perfectly with our company mission at Welch. This expands the talent, design and niche products we can bring to our customer base while broadening our automotive industry expertise. American's customers will greatly benefit from Welch's geographic coverage and product capabilities."

The merger expands Welch's geographic footprint and position in the automotive sector of the packaging industry. In addition to its facility in Columbus, American has manufacturing operations in Evansville, Ind., Morehead, Ky., Clark Lake, Mich., and Dyersburg and Columbia, Tenn. Along with its corporate headquarters in Elkhart,Welch Packaging also has facilitiesChicago, Indianapolis and Marion, Ind., and Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, Ohio.

With the merger, Scott Welch also announces that Jay Weldy has been named general manager for the Welch/American business unit, and Rudy Youell, who along with his father Don established American Corrugated Products in 1983, will continue with Welch as president of automotive sales.

"Jay will focus on the integration of the new Welch Packaging Business Unit, and will work closely with Youell and the American team to build on their strong foundation. Our Welch Packaging facilities in Toledo and Columbus will continue to report to him," said Welch. "Rudy will leverage his strategic relationships and extensive industry experience to strengthen our sales and market share in the automotive sector."

Welch Packaging started in 1985 as Elkhart Container, and with this merger, now employs more than 800 across its 11 locations. The company is 'Sustainable Forestry Initiative' certified for its efforts in responsible forestry practices, and in February 2015, it was named one of the 'Top Places to Work' in Toledo by The Toledo Blade newspaper.