Republic Tobacco & Johnson Creek Form Strategic Endeavor

HARTLAND, Wis. -- Republic Tobacco is stepping outside its traditional roll-your-own business in a new partnership with Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Locally based Johnson Creek is the maker of e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes.

Through its affiliates, Republic Tobacco has taken an equity interest in Johnson Creek. By joining forces, Johnson Creek Smoke Juice and accessories will soon be available in thousands of outlets throughout the country, according to the announcement.

"This is a perfect fit for both of our companies," said Christian Berkey, Johnson Creek's founder and CEO.

Steve Sandman, president of Republic Tobacco, agrees. "Both retailers and wholesalers have been waiting for a reputable company to supply this growing category," he said. "Our customers should be very pleased that Republic is stepping into the forefront of the 'e' category with such an outstanding producer as Johnson Creek."

Johnson Creek was the first company in the United States to produce and manufacture Smoke Juice for electronic cigarettes. It was also the first company to use child-resistant caps, plastic shrink-wrapped banding and to list ingredients on all bottles, according to the company.

Johnson Creek was recognized in 2013 as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States by Inc. magazine.

"Republic Tobacco has been carefully studying the 'e' market for a number of years now and we finally found the perfect fit for our company, both in terms of reputation and product quality," Sandman said. "Consumers in the 'e' category have shown they prefer to make their own 'e' product, by selecting their preferred device and their preferred liquid.  We believe that this is a new make-your-own product for consumers, and now Republic will be able to offer the highest-quality product on the market."

Glenview, Ill.-based Republic Tobacco LP distributes roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco products and accessories. Some of Republic's brands include Top, Job, Gambler, Drum, Largo and Tube Cut.