WEPA strengthens presence in France with MPH1865 acquisition
The WEPA Group, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of hygiene paper, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in MPH1865, a French producer of hygiene paper and soap for the Away-from-Home market. The newly integrated entity will operate under the name “WEPA Professional France”.
Marc Miribel will continue as President of the company and, together with the existing management team, will oversee the integration process and support future growth. All MPH1865 industrial sites will be retained, with local production in France maintained and further developed. Following the acquisition, WEPA will operate four production sites in France, employing approximately 1,000 people. The 260 employees of MPH1865 have been fully integrated into the Group.
“With MPH1865, we are strengthening our international presence in the European Away-from-Home market and systematically expanding our position with the Satino brand. Our aim is to provide even better service to our customers across Europe with high-performance, sustainable hygiene solutions,” said Andreas Krengel, Chief Commercial Officer of the WEPA Group.
Martin Krengel, CEO of the WEPA Group, added: “We are delighted that this acquisition will further strengthen WEPA’s position in Europe, and in France in particular. Through the synergies generated by this integration and the consistent implementation of our sustainability strategy, we will create additional value for our stakeholders, particularly our customers.”
Marc Miribel commented: “In WEPA, we have found a partner that, like MPH1865, is family-run and places strong emphasis on operational excellence, employee engagement, customer focus, and sustainability. As part of the WEPA Group, we are well positioned for the future and look forward to contributing to its continued growth.”
The transaction represents a long-term strategic step for both companies and is expected to strengthen their combined position in the French market. Customers and partners will benefit from an expanded portfolio of professional hygiene solutions, maintaining high standards in quality, service, and sustainability. The WEPA Professional range will be further enhanced by soaps, disinfectants, nonwoven wipes, and personal protective equipment produced and marketed by WEPA Professional France.
Founded in 1865, MPH1865 has developed into a key player in the French Away-from-Home hygiene sector. Based in the Ardèche and Drôme regions, the company operates modern, fully integrated industrial facilities covering papermaking, converting, soap production, and logistics. With around 260 employees, it produces up to 60,000 tonnes of paper per year and is recognised for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible industrial development.
The WEPA Group, headquartered in Arnsberg, Germany, is one of the three largest hygiene paper manufacturers in Europe. Following the integration of MPH1865, the Group employs more than 4,500 people across 15 European locations. It produces a wide range of hygiene paper products for private, public, and commercial use, including toilet paper, paper towels, handkerchiefs, and napkins. As a specialist in the processing of recycled fibres, WEPA is widely recognised as a pioneer in sustainability within the industry.
In France, WEPA already operates two sites in Lille and Troyes for its Consumer division, as well as a recovered paper processing plant in Château-Thierry. Its Professional division, marketed under the Satino brand, provides sustainable hygiene solutions for public washrooms, industry, offices, and healthcare environments. Products such as Satino PureSoft and the Hyginity dispenser series have received international recognition, including the Ecodesign Award and the Red Dot Award.
