Welch Packaging Group, a company based in the US, has taken over fellow American company SOKY Pack & Pallet, based in Glasgow, Kentucky.

The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed by either company.

SOKY is a locally owned and operated business located in south-central Kentucky. It is owned by Wes Jolly and Jim Brinkerhoff.

The company manufactures corrugated packaging and wood pallets and also serves as the master distributor for a wide range of packaging supplies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Jolly and Brinkerhoff will remain in charge of SOKY while working alongside Welch Packaging, which was established in 1985.

Jolly and Brinkerhoff said: “We are excited to join the Welch Packaging family of companies.

“Joining the network of Welch sheet plants supported by their sheet feeder system will allow us to serve existing and new customers with expanded product capability, while providing a strong cause for our associates.”

Welch Packaging operates 23 manufacturing facilities and employs a workforce of 1,500 people.

The company expanded into the south-central Kentucky region with its acquisition of AtCorr Packaging in 2023.

This latest acquisition strengthens Welch Packaging's commitment to expand its reach to new customers across seven states in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Midsouth.

Welch Packaging president and CEO Scott Welch said: “We are delighted to expand our presence in this region and welcome Wes and Jim to our management team, along with the dedicated associates at SOKY.

“In addition to high-quality corrugated packaging, SOKY brings hardwood pallets and crates - including heat-treated pallets - along with various packaging supplies to the Welch portfolio.”