GSF Acquires KanPak U.S., Includes All KanPak Entities

GSF recently announced that it acquired controlling interests in KanPak U.S. The company, headquartered in Arkansas City, Kan., is a leading supplier of beverages and desserts using aseptic processing technology. Last November, GSF acquired majority interest in KanPak China, and this news completes acquisition of all entities. The acquisition will enable GSF to continue to expand its Dairy and Liquid Products production capabilities into Mexico, Canada, China and throughout the U.S. for the quick service restaurant, convenience store and retail markets. It will enable the company to more fully execute the company’s strategy to expand product offerings to meet the needs of customers, particularly in the fast-growing international markets. Founded in 1965, KanPak produces a variety of dairy-based products such as smoothies, ice cream, milk shake base, packaged milk, coffees, creamers, frozen desserts and specialty beverages. Its state-of-the-art facilities include a manufacturing plant in Arkansas City, Kan., an administrative office in Wichita, Kan., an equipment dispensing plant in Southbury, Conn., a sales and marketing office in Mexico City, Mexico, a leased manufacturing plant in Queretaro, Mexico, a manufacturing plant in Xiantao City (Hubei Province), China, and a sales and marketing, research and development/pilot lab in Shanghai. KanPak currently employs more than 400 full-time associates. Some of its customers include Chick-fil-A, Tim Hortons, KFC, 7-Eleven, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Nestle and Costco, among others. Dennis Cohlmia will serve as Chairman of the Board of KanPak U.S. Larry McGill will be promoted from Corporate Vice President and President of Food Processing to serve as Corporate Vice President of Golden State Foods and President and Chief Executive Officer of KanPak U.S. Dennis and Larry will both report to Mark Wetterau and will office in Arkansas City, Kan. Both of these transitions are effective immediately. KanPak’s Board of Directors will include: Dennis, Larry, Charley Snell, Sales and Marketing Consultant, Neil Cracknell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Wetterau. “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with KanPak, which brings a great team,” said Mark Wetterau. “Dennis Cohlmia, Craig Miller, CFO of KanPak U.S., and many other KanPak associates have been extremely supportive throughout this process. Likewise, we greatly appreciate the support of our GSF Board of Directors throughout this process and the dedicated efforts by Dorn Van Cleave, Brian George and the support teams to bring this partnership together. With our common values, rich cultures, and leading customers, the synergies of uniting both companies make an ideal organization to enhance our growth opportunities and to best serve our customers domestically and internationally.”