Peacock Colors adding capacity, looking for deals

Aug 10, 2023

Peacock Colors owner Andy Ubhi brought in Mercedes Landazuri as technology and innovation director to help the business grow.

Color concentrates maker Peacock Colors Inc. is increasing production as it looks for more acquisitions.

Addison, Ill.-based Peacock is adding a new Buss Kneader line by the end of September. The firm also is looking for deals after acquiring Sheboygan, Wis.-based Vortex Liquid Color Inc. in July 2020.

In a recent interview, owner Andy Ubhi said that the new line is needed to handle growth in several end markets, including medical, toys and housewares.

"Last year was a tough year, but our sales were up 20 percent," he said. "2021 is shaping up to be the biggest year in our history, with sales up another 20 percent."

The acquisition of Vortex — which continues to operate under its own name — "was great for the company," Ubhi said. "We were known for concentrates, and it's really allowed us to expand."

The 27,000-square-foot Sheboygan site has room for future growth. Peacock is just about out of space at its 25,000-square-foot Addison location.

Peacock added to its staff in February when it hired Mercedes Landazuri as technology and innovation director. Landazuri has previous experience with Techmer PM, Apex Color and other firms. She's also current recycling chair for the Society of Plastics Engineers.

New products in development at Peacock, according to Landazuri, include biodegradables, antimicrobials and fluorescents.

Nicole Vargas joined the Vortex staff in September 2020. As supply chain manager, she oversees strategic sourcing and combined total purchases between Vortex and Peacock. Vargas said the firm is working on alternative supplier qualifications, expedited samples and color matches and shorter lead times.

On the acquisition front, Ubhi said that Peacock is seeking to acquire masterbatch concentrate makers or specialty compounders. In 2018, Ubhi bought Peacock from Cliff Bloom and Greg Cherry, grandsons of Frank Bloom Sr., who founded the firm as paint and ink maker Rainbow Ink in 1925. Ubhi has more than 20 years of plastics experience, including positions with GE Plastics and Kraton Performance Polymers.

Like many firms, Peacock has faced challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point earlier this year, a plant manager was out, and Ubhi stepped in to work on the firm's production lines.

"We showed that we had the ability to supply our customers in difficult times," Ubhi said.

"When you see the boss working on a line like that, it shows how much dedication he has to the company," Landazuri added.

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