Great Little Box Company (GLBC – Richmond, British Columbia) and Ideon Packaging (also based in Richmond), have joined forces in one of the most significant acquisitions the Canadian packaging industry has seen in recent years. The acquisition of Ideon by GLBC – an award-winning manufacturer and distributor of packaging solutions since 1982 – brings together two independent and locally-owned businesses with “a shared focus on quality, innovation, people and culture.” Ideon, a fast-growing leader in custom packaging, had expanded to excel and differentiate itself in an extremely competitive packaging industry landscape. As both companies entered their second generation of leadership, talks of uniting had already begun in late 2019.
Together, GLBC and Ideon “will offer a breadth of products, services and customer excellence unlike anything in the North American market,” said the companies. Working alongside each other, both groups will unite leadership teams with a focus on furthering innovation, growth and care for their employees and customers. “Clients can expect the same exceptional quality, service and innovation that has come to distinguish each organization – but with a deeper product and service offering.” For employees of the organizations, a goal of 100% employee retention has been set. “It’s a foundational part of the union established to ensure that synergies are realized through combining strengths and working together to compete in new areas previously unavailable,” the companies added. In the coming months, these two packaging leaders will operate alongside each other in their existing facilities while working towards long-term integration. With a mantra of Better Together, GLBC said it will ensure job security, innovation, people and culture remain a priority.
“Since 2001, Ideon has been a fierce competitor vying to build relationships, trust and business,” said GLBC President Brad Tindall. “We have always respected the way in which Ideon’s people, leaders and owners act and compete in the market. We look forward to working closely together to further our capabilities and success.”
Rick Van Poele, CEO of Ideon Packaging, added: “Great Little Box acquiring Ideon will make for an incredible team. I have always been very impressed by GLBC’s emphasis on community, and I know our people will continue to flourish in partnership. GLBC has always put their people and customer experience at the forefront of their business, and they continuously demonstrate that a focus on culture and community will lead to success. They ensure that their customers are delivered an incredible experience through innovative packaging solutions. Additionally, they have been recognized as a top employer in BC and across Canada. With this, I know our exceptional team at Ideon will be in great hands to continue to thrive.”
Great Little Box Company acquires Ideon Packaging
