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Midland, a US-based provider of paper, packaging and performance solutions, has announced the acquisition of Wetoska Packaging Distributors, a family-owned leader in food packaging materials and equipment.
The move strengthens Midland’s position in the food and beverage sector, enhancing its ability to serve processors and manufacturers with more comprehensive, end-to-end solutions.
Based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Wetoska brings more than six decades of specialised experience in food packaging. The company has built a strong reputation across key categories, including meat, seafood, dairy, bakery and snack foods, segments that demand high-performance, reliable packaging systems.
The acquisition combines Wetoska’s deep technical expertise and customer-focused approach with Midland’s expansive national distribution network. Together, the companies aim to deliver greater value through expanded product offerings, improved supply chain capabilities and increased access to innovative packaging technologies.
Wetoska’s history in the food packaging industry dates back to 1958, when the Tobin-Stahr Company was founded.
A pivotal moment came in 1964 when former professional football player Bob Wetoska joined the business, helping to popularize vacuum packaging solutions among Chicago-area meat and cheese processors. After acquiring the company in 1987 and renaming it, Wetoska led decades of growth and innovation that helped shape modern food packaging practices.
Today, the business remains family-led under President Steve Wetoska and his siblings, who have continued to expand the company’s custom packaging capabilities. As part of the agreement, Wetoska will maintain its leadership structure, ensuring continuity for customers while benefiting from Midland’s broader resources and reach.
The acquisition aligns with Midland’s strategy to grow in high-demand end markets and strengthen the US food supply chain. By integrating Wetoska’s specialised solutions, Midland is positioned to better support food producers facing increasing pressure around efficiency, sustainability and product protection.
Midland CEO Mike Graves said: “We are thrilled to welcome Wetoska Packaging Distributors to the Midland family. Their reputation for innovation and service complements our mission to help customers produce, protect, and promote their products.”
Steve Wetoska added that the partnership marks “an exciting new chapter,” noting that Midland’s scale will enable the company to expand its offerings while maintaining its high-touch customer service model.
Midland, founded in 1907 and headquartered in Chicago, serves more than 10,000 customers nationwide, offering packaging design, automation, and supply chain solutions. The addition of Wetoska further enhances its capabilities in the food and beverage sector, a critical industry where packaging plays a central role in safety, shelf life, and distribution efficiency.
As consolidation continues across the packaging landscape, this acquisition underscores a broader trend: the growing importance of integrated, innovation-driven solutions to meet the evolving needs of food manufacturers and processors.