Founded in 1991, CSI set out to provide custom plastic containers to honey producers, including their iconic “honey bear” bottle. CSI has since expanded its product offerings and manufacturing capabilities, and has grown into a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom containers for food and beverage, household products, and automotive applications. Today, CSI has over 100 employees and more than 150,000 sq.ft. of manufacturing space across 2 facilities.

Like most privately-held companies in the rigid plastic packaging industry, blow molders in particular, CSI was approached frequently by strategic and financial investors. The family consistently declined inquiries as CSI continued to grow, recently opened a new location, had no need for outside capital nor an interest in selling to a large conglomerate. Given the shareholders’ feedback, Harvey & Co. approached CSI with a unique strategy alongside a thesis-driven private equity partner who presented a compelling path to accelerate growth.

Harvey & Co., having spent considerable time in the blow molded packaging industry, saw an opportunity to create a more regionally-focused, agile and customer-centric rigid plastic packaging platform. Despite several private equity backed consolidators in North America, CSI was intrigued by the opportunity to establish itself as the platform of choice. In partnership with CSI’s ownership and management team, we are helping to create a specialized blow molded packaging company with a national footprint. This platform is well-positioned to pursue organic growth and strategic partnerships with other like-minded companies to CSI.

Harvey & Co. introduced CSI’s ownership to a private equity partner who is best positioned to facilitate the necessary infrastructure, capital, resources and expertise. CSI’s Chief Executive Officer will continue in his role alongside the high-caliber management team who is responsible for their excellent reputation in the rigid plastic packaging sector.