A leading supplier of high-impact decorative labels announced last week the acquisition of Dawsonville-based SleeveCo.

Moving forward, the manufacturer on Lumpkin Campground Road will become SleeveCo, a Fort Dearborn Company.

"The acquisition of SleeveCo further reinforces Fort Dearborn's leadership position in the prime label marketplace by strengthening our shrink sleeve offering and expanding our product line to include stretch sleeve label capabilities and application equipment," said Fort Dearborn President and CEO Jeff Brezek.

"With the addition of SleeveCo, we will have increased capacity, as well as enhanced capabilities, to provide our customers more production options and increased flexibility."

Fort Dearborn Company is a leading supplier of high-impact decorative labels for the beverage, food, household products, paint and coatings, personal care, private label-retail and spirits markets.

Headquartered in Illinois, the company has more than a dozen operating divisions in North America, employing about 1,550 associates.

The local production plant employs about 125 people.

With the addition of the 15th facility in Dawsonville, the company's offering will be expanded to include additional shrink sleeve capacity and adds stretch sleeve, mid web gravure printing and cylinder engraving capabilities.

"SleeveCo is a key supplier in the shrink and stretch sleeve market with a reputation for delivering innovative solutions, making it an excellent fit for Fort Dearborn," said Martin Wilson, CEO of SleeveCo. "Like Fort Dearborn, we are customer-focused and dedicated to delivering the best solutions and will now have additional support and resources to better serve our customers."

Wilson will serve as president of the SleeveCo division of Fort Dearborn, reporting to Jeff Brezek.

"As a platform company positioned for growth, we will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions that broaden our product and service offerings and further increase the value we can provide to our customers," Brezek said. "'I'm excited to have Martin and his team join our organization and look forward to continued growth and future opportunities."

The Development Authority of Dawson County has long been a supporter of SleeveCo, according to Executive Director Charlie Auvermann.

"SleeveCo has long been one of the premier firms located in our county. Their importance and leadership in the shrink and stretch sleeve market cannot be overstated," he said. "Fort Dearborn is a clear leader in the package labelling industry. That strength will allow SleeveCo to position itself for future growth which will be a bonus for the Dawson County based operations.

"The development authority is excited to see this announcement and we believe it will allow SleeveCo to expand significantly in the future...we look forward to this new stage in their development."