26 WESTERN PALLET
The Dizzying Pace of Pallet Company Mergers and Acquisitions Continues
December 2021 marked another busy month for merger and acquisition activity for the wood pallet sector as well as for alternative material pallets, with some big moves expected to take place in the new year. Let's take a look at some of the leading December headlines.
Kamps acquires Gorgo Group
Kamps, Inc., one of the nation’s leading pallet recyclers, acquired Gorgo Group on December 22. The Gorgo Group provides pallet, packaging, and logistics solutions across the Northeast. Gorgo has two asset-based locations in Southern New Jersey, and one in Harrisburg, PA. Gorgo is the largest pallet recycler in the Philadelphia / Baltimore region, and services most of the fortune 500 companies in its service area from retail and foodservice distribution centers to E-commerce companies. The acquisition of Gorgo expands Kamps’ footprint in the North-East and builds upon the company’s core mission of providing customer-centric pallet solutions on a national scale.
Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, Gorgo began as a single pallet division in 1979, with Anthony Gorgo as the founder. Gorgo was sold to Louis Chini in 1994, who then ultimately sold to partners Bryan Kruysman Jr. and Nick Biagi in 2011. Gorgo Group’s Pallet Division specializes in full-service pallet recycling and custom pallet manufacturing. The packaging and logistics divisions provide auxiliary support for supply chains in the region. Across the three divisions, Gorgo employs over 200 individuals and operates close to 400 trailers. All employees, along with the owners, will stay on board. The company serves customers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.
“Bryan and Nick have grown Gorgo Pallet significantly over the past decade due to their entrepreneurial spirit, uncompromising customer service, and ability to build a strong team.” Said Kamps, Inc. President, Mitchell Kamps. He also added “We appreciate their additional product and service offerings which have provided extra value for their customers. We look forward to parlaying these additional services to our customer base in the North-East region and beyond.”
“Kamps’ commitment to maintaining a family atmosphere, while having such a large footprint intrigued us the most.
, choosing a partner who aligns with our core values and local focus was of the utmost importance” Said Nick Biagi, co-owner of Gorgo Group. Co-owner Bryan Kruysman Jr. echoed similar sentiments, stating “Joining such a great organization, that shares the same principles, will ensure we continue serving our communities and allow our employees to grow in their careers. We are looking forward to continued success within the North-East market.”