Nordenia, which operates two packaging plants employing about 400 people in Cape Girardeau County, has been acquired by Mondi, headquartered in Greven, Germany.

Mondi is an international packaging and paper group, with production operations across 29 countries. The group's key operations are located in central Europe, Russia and South Africa and as at the end of 2011, Mondi Group employed 23,400 people.

Nordenia, now to be known as Mondi Jackson, Inc., will form part of Mondi's Europe & International Division under its Consumer Packaging business unit, according to a letter sent to Nordenia's suppliers, dated Monday, and the company's website.

Mondi produces packaging in a variety of formats including paper, corrugated packaging, industrial bags and coatings. Nordenia opened its first facility in Cape Girardeau County in 1989 across from Procter & Gamble. Earlier this year, the company opened a second manufacturing and warehouse facility on U.S. 61, just outside Jackson.

Procter & Gamble, Tyson Foods and Nestle are the biggest customers of the flexible packaging Nordenia has produced.

"The acquisition offers Mondi the unique opportunity to be a leading company in the area of consumer packaging, with a significantly extended product range, high-quality innovative products, and excellent service," Mondi's website states.

Local plant officials declined to comment.

In a statement, Mondi said it paid just under $335 million to make the acquisition happen. No details were released on how or if the changes will affect the local workforce.

"The acquisition of Nordenia offers Mondi Group a unique opportunity to create a leading consumer packaging business, build on long term customer relationships across both businesses and establish a platform to expand further in high‐growth emerging markets," the company said in a news release.

The move keeps Nordenia's ownership in the same country -- the company is already owned by a German organization.

Pertinent address:

14591 Missouri 177, Cape Girardeau, MO

5459 Highway 61, Jackson, MO