Veritiv strengthens Northeast presence with Arjay Company acquisition

Veritiv Operating Company, a leader in specialty packaging distribution, has expanded its national footprint with the acquisition of Arjay Company, a well-established packaging solutions provider based in Edgewood, New York. The deal includes substantially all assets of PPE Sales, LLC, enabling Veritiv to deepen its presence in Long Island and the Greater Metropolitan New York area, regions previously challenging for the company to serve effectively from its existing Northeast locations.

This acquisition, Veritiv’s fifth in 2024 under Chief Executive Officer Sal Abbate, underscores the company’s strategic focus on expanding its national distribution platform and enhancing its capabilities to deliver sustainable packaging solutions.

What Does Arjay Company Bring to Veritiv?

Founded in 1980, Arjay Company has built a reputation for customer service excellence, providing tailored packaging solutions and equipment to a diverse clientele across the New York metro area. By integrating Arjay Company into its operations, Veritiv combines its large-scale infrastructure with Arjay’s deep-rooted customer relationships and local market expertise. Abbate emphasised that the move not only broadens Veritiv’s reach but also strengthens its ability to offer innovative and sustainable supply chain solutions.

Ronald Kahane, President of Arjay Company, expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting Veritiv’s advanced capabilities in packaging design, procurement, and distribution. He stated that the collaboration provides significant growth opportunities for employees while enhancing the range of services available to Arjay’s longstanding customers.

The Role of Acquisitions in Veritiv’s Growth Strategy

This latest acquisition builds on Veritiv’s strategy of driving growth through targeted investments. Earlier this month, on December 11, 2024, the company announced the completion of its acquisition of Orora Packaging Solutions (OPS), a North American packaging solutions provider. The OPS acquisition, initially revealed on September 3, 2024, was a major step toward strengthening Veritiv’s position as a leader in specialty packaging distribution.

Abbate described the OPS deal as transformative, enabling Veritiv to deliver a wider range of sustainable packaging solutions and drive supply chain innovation. With nearly 3,000 employees joining Veritiv through the acquisition, OPS contributes significant talent and resources to the company’s operations. Kelly Barlow, President of OPS, noted that the shared values and strategies between the two organisations make this partnership a natural fit, creating enhanced opportunities for customers, suppliers, and employees.

Veritiv’s acquisition history, which also includes Vivabox Solutions, AmeriPac, and PAX Global, reflects a consistent focus on expanding its specialty packaging distribution capabilities while aligning with its sustainability and customer experience goals.

Veritiv’s Plans to Divest Rigid Packaging Business

In a parallel move, Veritiv announced it has signed a definitive purchase agreement to sell Veritiv Containers, its rigid packaging business (formerly All American Containers), to TricorBraun. The sale allows Veritiv to sharpen its focus on core specialty packaging distribution operations, further consolidating its leadership in the sector.

Abbate explained that this decision aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to optimise resources and enhance its national distribution platform. He expressed gratitude to the Containers team for their contributions, noting that they are well-positioned to thrive under TricorBraun, a company renowned for its expertise in the rigid packaging business.

The sale, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. Veritiv has committed to working closely with TricorBraun to ensure a seamless transition for employees, customers, and suppliers.

A Vision for the Future

As Veritiv continues to refine its portfolio through strategic business acquisitions and divestitures, the company’s focus remains firmly on delivering sustainable packaging solutions and driving supply chain innovation. The addition of Arjay Company and OPS significantly bolsters Veritiv’s ability to serve a broader customer base with innovative products, while the sale of its rigid packaging business reinforces its commitment to its core operations.

These moves signal a clear path forward for Veritiv, solidifying its position as a leading packaging solutions provider in North America.