Corporation Acquires Indiana Paper Straw Company After 'Unprecedented' Growth

A Wisconsin-based company has acquired a growing Indiana paper straw manufacturer.

Aardvark Straws is located in Fort Wayne and claims to be the sole U.S. producer of paper straws. It’s owned by Precision Products Group, which this week sold the company to disposable tableware manufacturer Hoffmaster Group, Inc.

Dave Hooe is the president and CEO of Precision Products Group. He says since Aardvark began manufacturing paper straws about 10 years ago, it’s seen unprecedented growth.

“And the market shifted looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic straw, and when that happened it just drove the volume through the roof,” Hooe says.

Many restaurants and businesses are ditching plastic straws in an effort to be more environmentally friendly. Hooe also says plastic bans and increased regulations are forcing people to find other options.

Aardvark sells its straws all over the world. Hooe says the acquisition will take the straw company to the next level and allow for additional growth.