Improved European strength and customer proximity

To better meet its customers' needs, VPK is continually improving its range of packaging products and services. In this respect, increased geographical strength is key, while keeping innovation, sustainability and customer service in mind. The merger enables VPK Group to strengthen its leading position in the French and European market. 

A unique market position as a high-quality packaging designer and manufacturer 

Viallon Emballage, basedin the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is a designer and manufacturer of a wide and innovative range of corrugated packaging solutions. The company's production site is based in the Saint-Étienne area and its logistics site in the Lyon area. Calling upon more than 45 years of experience, Viallon Emballage has, over the past few decades, risen to a unique market position as an innovative designer and manufacturer of high-quality corrugated cardboard packaging.

Viallon's offer ranges from small to large quantities of packaging and displays. Boasting its own design section, high-quality flexo printing presses, digital print capacity, integrated quality lab and a high level of digitisation and automation, Viallon Emballage attends to a wide variety of customers. Its strategic markets particularly include high-quality printed packaging for the wine and food industries.

Shared visions as the key to success

A decisive factor for this agreement is the common business approach of both parties, aiming for high service levels through flexibility and responsiveness. Both companies occupy an independent market position, share a long-term entrepreneurial vision, and make substantial and carefully planned investments to expand their business activities.  

Pierre Macharis, CEO of VPK Group: "We are delighted to expand our activities in the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Viallon Emballage enjoys an excellent reputation in the French corrugated industry. We will now join our forces,  with aligned visions, and foster the company's local strengths and commercial character. I am convinced that our common values will help us turn the collaboration with Christophe and Clément Viallon's teaminto a genuine success."

Christian Viallon, General Director at Viallon Emballage: "By matching the shared DNA of VPK and Viallon Emballage, based on stable shareholdership, with our long-term vision and unique customer responsiveness, we are able to sustainably further develop our market activities. We can maintain our local identity, all while calling upon the extensive experience and expertise of an independent, international paper and packaging group."

Viallon Emballage will continue to operate under its own brand, with a high level of independence. Along with the Ondulys group,VPK's French packaging network now employs 1250 employees across 12 sites.

About Viallon Emballage

Viallon Emballage was founded in 1964 by Marcel and Denise Viallon. Their son Christian was able to turn the company into a prominent player in the region, particularly specialised in high-quality packaging. Today, through Clément and Christophe Viallon, the third generation has taken charge of operational management. 140 experienced staff, well-invested infrastructure and a 45,000 tonne capacity enable Viallon Emballage to maintain its pole position. More information can be found at www.viallon-emballage.com 

About VPK Group

VPK produces recycled paper, corrugated packaging, solid board packaging, cores and tubes. The international packaging group operates according to a circular economic business model. VPK's strong local presence allows for a leading position in the recycled packaging market. Employing over 6200 people across 65 locations in 20 countries, the group recorded a turnover of ~1.5 billion last year. For more information about our activities please visit: www.vpkgroup.com

About Covid 19

At VPK and Viallon health, safety and well-being of everyone who works for and with us is paramount. We want to reassure our employees, customers and suppliers that we adhere to all guidelines, but also take many extra precautions. We have an important role to play in supporting critical supply chains in hygiene and food industries. We will continue to make every effort to ensure that our production sites remain open during these challenging times.

For more information, please contact: 

Stephanie De Smedt
Marketing Partner 
VPK Group
Stephanie.de.smedt@vpk.be
+32 470 82 45 98