Atlantic Packaging Group Changes Ownership

NORWICH, Conn.—Paul Seifert has sold his one third interest in the Atlantic Packaging Group to Robert J. Chandler and Steven P. Vizoukis, in order to pursue other business opportunities. Chandler and Vizoukis will join the Board of Directors and become members of the Operating Committee. James Brown, currently Vice President of Sales, will assume the post of President of Atlantic Packaging. Erv Piela will be promoted to Vice President of Operations and Doreen Sylvestre remains as the Vice President of Finance.

As noted by Brown, “I am delighted to welcome Bob and Steve to our Board to assist me in developing an even more vibrant and creative Atlantic Packaging. Bob and Steve are industry veterans and Doreen and I look forward to their wise counsel and advice as we move the company ahead. In addition, I look forward to working closely with Erv Piela who has over 30 years of experience in the folding carton industry as our new vice president of operations.”

Chandler, a long time industry veteran, most recently was the founder and president of Oak Tree Packaging Corporation (Oak Tree), a successful multi-plant folding carton company that was subsequently sold to Caraustar Industries in 1997. During his tenure at Oak Tree, Chandler established the first U.S. folding carton company in the People’s Republic of China in 1995. Vizoukis served as the CFO of Oak Tree and then remained with Caraustar as the Vice President of Sales for the Northeast Division of Caraustar until 2004 and currently is the founder and Managing Director of SGC Consulting Group LLC, a financial consulting firm.

As stated by Chandler, “Steve and I are very excited to be part of the Atlantic Packaging family and to be back in an industry we know so well and have a proven track record of success. We are looking forward to working with Jim and Doreen as we assist them in establishing Atlantic Packaging as one of the premier folding carton companies here in the Northeast.”

Atlantic Packaging, founded in 1917, produces quality paperboard and litho-laminate corrugated folding cartons, displays, and shippers for the liquor, personal care, beauty, sporting goods, medical device, and confectionary industries. Its plant and offices are located in Norwich, Conn.