Network Distribution® and Packaging Distributors of America (PDA), two leading supply chain solutions providers in the packaging industry, have announced their intent to merge and create a unified, national platform. The strategic combination will integrate their expertise, enhance innovation capabilities, and provide more comprehensive packaging solutions across the supply chain. This transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending the satisfaction of customary conditions.

The merger is a significant milestone in the rapidly evolving packaging sector, where the pace of change has never been greater. With sustainability and innovation driving transformation, this collaboration will allow the new organization to capitalize on the strengths of both companies, increasing their ability to meet the growing demands of customers while also fostering new innovations in packaging engineering. The merger will also help the companies remain resilient to the increasing pressures of the packaging industry and meet ever-evolving regulatory and consumer expectations.

According to George Strobel, President of PDA, the merger combines two organizations with a shared vision for the future. “This partnership is rooted in mutual respect for the legacies each company has built. PDA’s history of excellence and our unmatched capability in the packaging market will provide a strong foundation for our collective future,” said Strobel. This strategic move will create a new force within the packaging industry, increasing operational capacity, accelerating sustainability efforts, and providing innovative solutions for clients and partners.

Alan Tomblin, President and CEO of Network, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the enhanced resilience and scale the new organization will bring to the industry. “By bringing these entities together, we create a more robust, unified organization that blends our shared history of innovation with the scale necessary to tackle the ever-evolving challenges facing our customers,” said Tomblin. “We are excited to continue moving forward as a stronger force in the industry.”

The merger will unite the complementary offerings of both organizations, combining Network Distribution’s broad supply chain solutions with PDA’s expertise in packaging distribution. The newly formed organization, headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, will serve as a critical resource for companies seeking innovative, sustainable packaging solutions in a rapidly changing market. This partnership represents a leap forward in creating a more efficient, scalable, and sustainable future for packaging and supply chain solutions.

The strategic combination of these two companies marks a pivotal moment in the packaging industry. As businesses strive to meet both customer expectations and sustainability goals, this merger sets a new standard for packaging innovation, offering a more resilient, efficient, and scalable platform for the future.