Midland, a provider of packaging, paper, and performance solutions, is acquiring Wetoska Packaging Distributors, a family-owned specialist in food packaging materials and equipment based in Elk Grove Village, Ill. This acquisition enhances Midland's capabilities in the food sector by combining Wetoska's decades of expertise with Midland's nationwide distribution footprint.

Wetoska's roots trace back to the Tobin-Stahr Co., founded in 1958. In 1964, Tobin-Stahr hired former Chicago Bear Bob Wetoska to sell Dow Chemical's Saran S shrink meat bags to Chicago meat and cheese processors. Bob’s efforts help grow vacuum packaging in the 1970s. In 1987, Bob purchased Tobin-Stahr and renamed it Wetoska Packaging Distributors. Under Bob’s leadership, Wetoska delivered innovative food packaging solutions and transformed the food packaging industry. In 2001, Bob passed down the stewardship of the company to his five children. Steve Wetoska, president, along with Matt, Katherine, Alexis and Victoria, continued the tradition of building innovative packaging products and custom solutions tailored to the most complex problems in the meat, fish, dairy, cheese, bakery and snack markets.

The acquisition aligns with Midland's growth strategy to expand its end-to-end packaging and supply chain solutions, particularly in high-demand end markets. This move will allow Midland to better serve food processors and manufacturers across the country. Wetoska’s operations will continue under the leadership of the Wetoska family, with integration efforts focused on delivering expanded products and capabilities to its customers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Wetoska Packaging Distributors to the Midland family," said Mike Graves, CEO of Midland. "Wetoska's reputation for quality, innovation, and personalized service perfectly complements our commitment to helping customers produce, protect, and promote their products. This acquisition not only bolsters our food packaging expertise but also reinforces our dedication to delivering sustainable and efficient solutions that drive customer success."

Steve Wetoska, president of Wetoska Packaging Distributors, added, "Joining forces with Midland represents an exciting new chapter for our team and customers. Midland's resources and national reach will enable us to expand our offerings while maintaining the high-touch service our customers have come to expect. We look forward to contributing to Midland's growth and continuing to support the food industry with best-in-class packaging solutions."

Source: Midland