Universal Forest Products, Inc. announced that one of its subsidiaries has signed an agreement to purchase substantially all of the operating assets of North American Container Corp., a Marietta, Ga.-based manufacturer of structural packaging products, adding steel, corrugated and hardwood packaging to Universal’s growing portfolio of industrial products.

Founded in 1967, NACC has nine manufacturing facilities in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. It had sales of approximately $71 million in 2017. NACC offers several proprietary packaging designs and holds a number of patents. This acquisition will allow Universal to enhance capacity and expand into geographic areas identified as opportunities for growth, including South Carolina and Tennessee; offer existing and targeted customers additional solutions for packaging and crating needs; enhance manufacturing through automation; and offer customers the opportunity to purchase corrugated, steel and lumber packaging from a single supplier, among other benefits.

“This exciting opportunity will blend the best products of our two proven companies to create an industry-leading offering of structural packaging products,” said Universal CEO Matthew J. Missad. “NACC’s proprietary agriculture boxes and crates, for example, will be of great interest to our existing customers, and our production methods will help us enhance manufacturing operations and output.

“We are impressed with the people, products, culture and leadership of NACC, and we are working toward a successful merger of our businesses and capabilities in a way that benefits customers, employees and shareholders,” he added.

The purchase is scheduled to close by June 1, 2018.

“After more than 50 years of success, we were looking for the right opportunity to take our business to the next level for the benefit of our customers, employees and stakeholders. This merger with Universal Forest Products is that opportunity,” said John Grigsby, Jr., CEO of NACC. “We feel confident that it will provide us with the best path for ongoing success in a changing world and global marketplace. We are excited for our people and our future, and proud to become a part of the Universal family.”