A&R Logistics, one of North America's largest providers of integrated dry bulk logistics solutions for the chemical and plastic industries, has acquired Blue Water Plastic Transport, a St. Clair, Michigan-based specialty bulk transportation and logistics services carrier for the plastics industry.

The acquisition will expand A&R’s presence in the Midwest and increase the company’s overall transportation capacity with additional tractors and specialty trailers. The move is A&R’s first acquisition as the company seeks to diversify its service offering and geographic presence to better serve customers.

A&R Logistics, with corporate headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, was recently acquired by the Chicago-based private equity firm Wind Point Partners. The parent company says it will seek to continue expanding the A&R platform through organic growth and complementary acqusitions.

Mostly servicing Michigan, Illinois and Ohio, BWP provides specialty dry bulk transportation, warehousing and logistics services primarily related to plastic resin. Customers include plastics manufacturers, distributors and recyclers.

“Both companies share common customer bases, but more importantly, common values and cultures, and we are thrilled about the combination,” said Mark Holden, A&R CEO.