St. PAUL, Minn. — 3M, Siat S.p.A and Combi America announced that pending final contract approval they will create a new packaging equipment resource through a joint venture called Combi Packaging Systems L.L.C.

The three packaging leaders will be co-owners of the new company. The joint venture is positioned to become a leading North American manufacturer of equipment used in automatic erecting, filling and sealing of corrugated boxes. High-volume corrugated-carton users will be able to access a complete line of packaging equipment, as well as soft goods such as tape and taping heads through established 3M distributor channels.

No employment changes are anticipated in any of the three companies. All employees of Combi America will become employees of Combi Packaging Systems LLC.