Jamestrong appoints Commins as CEO

Australian-based packaging supplier Jamestrong is appointing former Colorpak managing director Alex Commins as its new CEO, effective September 18.

The formerly family-owned Colorpak was bought by US-based Graphic Packaging in April 2016, with Alex Commins leaving the company six months later, despite having a three year contract

Commin says, “I am a bit young to retire, I have 25 years of experience in the packaging sector, and was approached by the shareholders to see if I had an interest.

“The owners have invested capital into printing technology and food safety, and other manufacturing infrastructure to serve their customers well. I am hoping to leverage that to help it to grow and prosper in the Australia market.

“Jamestrong has an important role to play in the innovation and development of metal packaging in Australasia and the broader region.  I am excited and honoured to be charged with the responsibility to lead the business into its next chapter of growth", says Commins.

The metal-packaging specialists invested $13m in a KBA MetalStar3 printing line earlier this year at its Milperra plant in NSW. This followed from an investment in its Kyabram, Victoria plant, on a dedicated infant formula can production line.

Joan Wei is the managing director of Jamestrong’s parent company, Shanghai Yuanlong Investment Company. Wei says, “We are pleased to have Alex Commins join us in a chief executive role.  Jamestrong is committed to working with the best people in industry to deliver value-added packaging solutions.

“After three years of capital investment in our printing infrastructure and manufacturing footprint, it is now time to leverage this investment into growth and development in key markets including infant formula, soups, fruits and vegetables, pet food, personal care, aerosols and household products.

“As the CEO of ASX-listed packaging company Colorpak from 2003 until its strategic sale in 2016, Alex Commins brings a wealth of customer, business and strategy development experience to Jamestrong.  We are optimistic that he will lead us to the next phase of growth.”

Commins says, “When I left Colorpak we were a public company, as we listed on 2004. We ran it with all the discipline required for a public entity over 12 years, and when we sold to the Americans I helped them with the transition of ownership, and passed the baton on.

“I was proud that we were considered a worthy acquisition target by a big US corporate.”

Current Jamestrong managing director John Bigley will be leaving Jamestrong after almost seven years.

Wei says, “On behalf of all of Jamestrong, we thank John for his contribution to the business and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Commins says Jamestrong has a proud history as a leading metal packaging supplier to some of Australia and New Zealand’s best-known brands.

“I am looking forward to joining a company that is committed to best-in-class manufacturing in Australasia, to food safety and the highest product quality.

Jamestrong Packaging says it is a leading packaging supplier to some of the region's well-known brands, supplying innovative metal packaging solutions as the largest supplier of aerosol cans and food cans in Australasia.

The company’s head office is located in Melbourne, with four manufacturing facilities located throughout Australia and New Zealand. Jamestrong operates across three distinct divisions – food cans, aluminium aerosols and tinplate aerosols.

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