Austria-based packaging manufacturer Mayr-Melnhof Packgaging says that it has broadened its path of expansion by the region of North Africa and announces a 51 per cent participation in a folding carton joint venture with TEC, a leading Tunisian packaging producer, located in Sfax.

Tunisia will be the platform for common ambitious expansion plans in the growth region of North Africa, the company says.
In 2005 TEC generated annual sales of approximately Euro 7 million in its offset business,
which forms the operative substance of the joint venture, and converted more than 6,000 tonnes of cartonboard, supplying mainly consumer goods producers in the detergent, tobacco and food market segments. The company employs more than 100 people.
Still in 2006, a second packaging plant is scheduled to start operations in Tunisia.
Mayr-Melnhof Packaging is one of Europe’s leading producers of folding cartons. In 2005, the group converted approximately 505,000 tonnes of cartonboard and paper into high-quality packaging at 23 locations. (ci)