Mohawk (North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing) and Arjowiggins Creative Papers (a world-leading manufacturer of creative and technical papers with manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia), have announced a unique and exclusive alliance. Through this exclusive arrangement, Mohawk and Arjowiggins will share best-in-class manufacturing capabilities, facilities, technologies, sales and marketing resources and expertise.
The alliance is unprecedented in the paper industry, especially for two brands which previously were competitors. “Arjowiggins and Mohawk are like-minded fine paper manufacturers with innovative brands that have driven the premium paper segment for over a century. The companies share core values of heritage, innovation, operational excellence, craftsmanship, safety-focused manufacturing, environmental commitment and social responsibility,” said a recent news release.
“Today’s business climate requires successful companies to exhibit flexibility, agility and adaptability to remain competitive and profitable,” said Thomas D. O’Connor Jr., Mohawk’s Chairman and CEO. “There’s been a considerable amount of consolidation in the North American and European paper industries, but there’s never been a collaborative effort like this on an international level. Mohawk’s alliance with Arjowiggins Creative Papers is a groundbreaking move to grow our businesses through better utilization of our respective sales, operational, marketing and manufacturing assets, without requiring a lot of additional investment. Arjowiggins has long been a respected leader in the fine paper and luxury packaging markets, and this exciting collaboration will celebrate our companies’ unique strengths and allow sharing of best practices and technologies. Ultimately, this union creates the largest premium paper and luxury packaging manufacturing entity in the world.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Mohawk will have exclusive rights to manufacture Arjowiggins Creative Papers’ luxury packaging products, Delos and Butterfly, as well as rights to license, market and distribute these and other select Arjowiggins Creative Papers luxury packaging products to design, packaging and print professionals in North America. Delos is a recognized leader in its field in Europe and, together with Butterfly, is used in the luxury packaging market by well-known global luxury brands.
Likewise, Arjowiggins will have exclusive rights to manufacture Mohawk Superfine with iTone, as well as rights to license, market and distribute the product through selected merchants. Mohawk Superfine, developed in the late 1940s, has long been the fine paper of choice used by the world’s leading brands, graphic designers and fashion houses. World-renowned brands and graphic designers specify Mohawk Superfine for high-end communications, premium envelopes, fine stationery and luxury packaging.
