Chesterfield, Mo.-based Pretium Packaging, a manufacturer of plastic containers and closures, acquired Cox Container LLC, Troy, Ala. Cox Container specializes in extrusion blow molding of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers for food, beverage, dairy and industrial applications, Pretium said.

“The acquisition brings additional HDPE manufacturing capability to Pretium and gives us a strategic foothold in the Southeast. We will now be able to capitalize on the strong growth Cox has experienced over the past couple of years to better serve our combined customers,” said Paul Kayser, president and CEO, Pretium. “Additionally, we are aggressively looking to add other exceptional regional companies to our portfolio.”

Pretium said the acquisition increases its U.S. manufacturing locations to 17. The Cox Container facility is situated on 13 acres, which makes it ideally suited for future manufacturing expansion.

“Under Pretium ownership, we will now have the ability to offer our customers new products by leveraging Pretium’s extensive PET capabilities, as well as a manufacturing footprint across North America,” said Ken Cox, president, Cox Container.

Cox Container is the fifth acquisition Pretium has made in the last four years, supporting its strategy to grow its business both organically and via strategic acquisitions. Pretium said it intends to keep the Cox Container manufacturing location and its employees/management team, the company said.