BARDSTOWN, KY. — Flexible packaging supplier Takigawa has appointed Chad Rupert to president of Takigawa Corporation America.

Prior to joining Takigawa, Rupert served as president of Elplast, a manufacturer of press-to-close zippers.

“I’ve known the Takigawa family for years,” Rupert said. “Given my industry experience, and relationships, combined with a background in engineering and finance, I felt I could come in and make a difference. One of our priorities will be to increase market share in segments outside of pet food products. Takigawa is the perfect solution for brands focused on presenting a premium image to the consumer and for new and emerging brands that want to make a splash and show consumers something different.”

In his new role, Rupert will help accelerate growth for Takigawa America within Canada and the United States.

“As a relatively young company, we want to focus on developing our team for our North America facility,” Rupert said. “The first step is to bring in the right people: curious, creative and talented. Then, train them to be a highly skilled team by learning the business, learning the company, learning about the industry, understanding our processes and procedures and the manufacturing equipment. We’re working on some pretty exciting technology that allows for the recyclability of flexible packaging.”

Takigawa currently operates facilities in Japan, Vietnam and the United States, developing custom packaging solutions for a variety of industries. For the pet food and treat industry, the company offers flat bottom, side gusset and quad seal bags, stand-up pouches, and other solutions. As a pioneer member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, Takigawa also offers recyclable packaging options.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.