About us

Who we are

Founded in 1954 by René J. Leclair, St. Johns Packaging is a vertically integrated manufacturer of flexible packaging products that are sold to leading food and consumer product companies. Still controlled by the Leclair family, the company currently operates wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, China, Vietnam and Australia, employing more than 950 dedicated employees.

What we do

We play a vital role in essential food and healthcare supply chains

We help our customers package, protect, preserve and sell their products. The quality of our films, bags and pouches allow our customers to package their products efficiently, protect their products from contamination, preserve their food and personal care products, and deliver safe products to consumers

Our graphic services and the quality of our printing allow our customers to offer eye-catching graphics for their products on store shelves

 

WHAT DISTINGUISHES US FROM THE COMPETITION

Reliability, flexibility and responsiveness. We are focused on delivering optimal value to a limited number of customers

Our History

1954

St. Johns Packaging was founded in 1954 when René J. Leclair, a banker and management consultant, seized the opportunity to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams by acquiring a small manufacturing business.

The company, located in St.-Jean-sur-Richelieu, was on the verge of bankruptcy. Fewer than 10 employees, in a 5,000 square foot plant, were manufacturing waxed-paper for local bakeries and meat packers.

 

1960

In the early 1960’s, Rene’s sons – Jacques, an accountant and MBA, and Paul, an industrial engineer – joined the company and the decision to transition from waxed-paper to plastic (polyethylene) was made.

 

1970

In 1970, St. Johns acquired Packaging Industries Ltd., a Montreal converter of polyethylene, polypropylene and cellophane bags, and as the company expanded, new equipment was gradually installed.

 

Two years later, the process of vertical integration began when St. Johns started to extrude its own polyethylene film.

1987

In 1987, St. Johns Packaging acquired a Montreal competitor, JT Packaging Ltd. 

This was an important development as it marked the company’s entry into the personal care market, a market that enabled future growth.

1990

By the 1990, a third generation of Leclairs joined the ranks of St. Johns Packaging. 

At the turn of the century

2000

In the early 2000s, management decided to rationalize the company’s product/market/customer mix. This consolidation, combined with a focus on customer service, has enabled the company to gain market share and continue growing profitably. 

 

2005

In 2005, the company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary in the People’s Republic of China. Built to North American standards, St. Johns Packaging (Kunshan) Ltd. is vertically integrated from blown film extrusion to finished bags that are exported to North America and Australasia.

2009

In late 2009, St. Johns Packaging acquired North Carolina (Greensboro) based North State Flexibles LLC. This investment strengthened the company’s competitive position within the US bread and personal care markets while diversifying its manufacturing capabilities, thereby providing new opportunities for growth.

The expansion continues

2016

In October 2016, the company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in the province of Binh Duong (southern part of the country). This facility with state-of-the-art printing and converting equipment allows us to increase our global presence.

2018

In December 2018, the company incorporated a subsidiary in Australia, St. Johns Packaging Australia Pty Ltd. This location aims to better serve the strategic markets of Australia and New Zealand. 

2020

In January, St. Johns acquired the assets of a blown film extrusion plant in Ho Chi Minh City to support the printing and converting activities of our other Vietnamese facility.

 

St. Johns Packaging will be looking to develop the Mexican market via its Embalaje St. Johns, S. de R.L. de C.V. Greenfield subsidiary which began operations during the second half of 2020.

 

In June 2020, St. Johns Packaging further strengthened its position as a worldwide leader in the bakery packaging market by acquiring Amcor Flexibles UK Ltd.’s Ilkeston Conversion facility. This acquisition allows the company to provide exceptional service to the leading baking companies in the UK and Europe.

2022

In May, St. Johns completed the acquisition of Mexican converter Plásticos Uribe, S.A. de C.V. This vertically integrated facility manufactures flexible packaging products for the Mexican market, with a focus on the dairy market.  This acquisition strengthened St. Johns Packaging’s position in North America, offering a more robust supply chain.