Midland has acquired Wetoska Packaging Distributors, a family-owned supplier of food packaging materials and equipment, in a move that expands the Chicago-based distributor’s reach in food packaging and deepens its position in one of the more technically demanding segments of the market.
The transaction brings together Midland’s national distribution platform with Wetoska’s long-standing specialization in food applications, particularly across meat, fish, dairy, cheese, bakery and snack packaging. The companies said the deal is intended to broaden product access and service capabilities for food processors and manufacturers, while supporting Midland’s wider push to build out end-to-end packaging and supply chain solutions in growth markets.
Wetoska, based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, traces its origins to the Tobin-Stahr Company, founded in 1958. In 1964, the business hired former Chicago Bear Bob Wetoska to sell Dow Chemical’s Saran S shrink meat bags to meat and cheese processors in the Chicago area. According to the companies, his work helped expand the use of vacuum packaging during the 1970s.
In 1987, Bob Wetoska acquired Tobin-Stahr and renamed the company Wetoska Packaging Distributors. The business remained under family leadership, and in 2001 stewardship passed to his five children. Steve Wetoska, who serves as president, continued to lead the company alongside Matt, Katherine, Alexis and Victoria Wetoska. Over time, the company built its position in customized food packaging programs and developed a reputation in specialized food markets where material performance, equipment integration and service responsiveness are critical.
For Midland, the acquisition adds category depth in food packaging at a time when processors are looking for suppliers that can combine materials, equipment and service support across increasingly complex operations. The company said the deal fits its growth strategy and will help it better serve food producers nationwide.
Wetoska’s existing operations will continue under the leadership of the Wetoska family. The companies said integration efforts will focus on expanding product access and capabilities for customers rather than changing the day-to-day operating model of the business.
Mike Graves, chief executive of Midland, said the acquisition is designed to reinforce both the group’s technical capabilities and its customer proposition in food packaging. “We are thrilled to welcome Wetoska Packaging Distributors to the Midland family,” he said. “Wetoska’s reputation for quality, innovation, and personalized service perfectly complements our commitment to helping customers produce, protect, and promote their products. This acquisition not only bolsters our food packaging expertise but also reinforces our dedication to delivering sustainable and efficient solutions that drive customer success.”
Steve Wetoska described the transaction as a way to scale the company’s offering while preserving its established service model. “Joining forces with Midland represents an exciting new chapter for our team and customers,” he said. “Midland’s resources and national reach will enable us to expand our offerings while maintaining the high-touch service our customers have come to expect. We look forward to contributing to Midland’s growth and continuing to support the food industry with best-in-class packaging solutions.”
The deal also reflects continuing consolidation across the packaging distribution sector, where larger groups are seeking specialist capabilities in application-heavy verticals rather than scale alone. Food packaging remains an attractive area for expansion because of its recurring demand, regulatory complexity and need for tailored materials and equipment support.
Midland said it serves more than 10,000 customers across a range of industries and has built its business around a mix of paper, packaging and performance solutions. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in Chicago, the company combines national coverage with local service operations. Its broader platform includes packaging design, equipment and automation, converting services and performance marketing.
Wetoska brings more than six decades of food packaging experience to that platform. Its focus on customized programs and sector-specific expertise gives Midland added credibility in applications where packaging performance is closely tied to product protection, shelf life, production efficiency and compliance.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
