Universal Forest buys pallet, container manufacturer

Universal Forest Products has announced that one of its subsidiaries is expanding the company’s industrial business in the northwest United States with the acquisition of the operating assets of Nepa Pallet and Container Co., a manufacturer of pallets, containers and bins for agricultural and industrial customers. 

The purchase of Nepa by UFP Washington advances a number of Universal’s strategic objectives: to enter that geographic market without adding capacity to the marketplace, to expand its industrial busines, and to grow by acquiring successful companies. 

Nepa has facilities in Snohomish, Yakima and Wenatchee, Wash., and had trailing 12-month sales through September 2012 of $25 million. Closing is expected to take place in early November 2012.

“In its 75 years, Nepa has built a strong reputation as a solid manufacturer with great customer service. Its employees are loyal and dedicated, which is consistent with our culture,” said Matthew Missad, CEO of Universal Forest Products. “We look forward to adding Nepa and its people to the Universal family of companies, and growing with them in a territory that’s important to Universal’s future and success.”