A Lawrence-based manufacturer of cardboard boxes has purchased a Lenexa-based competitor in an effort to boost business.

The Lawrence Paper Company announced Tuesday that it has reached a deal to buy the Kansas City division of Liberty Carton Co. The deal calls for all of Liberty Carton’s operations to be transferred to Lawrence.

“It is a rough market out there, and we have the capacity at our plant to do more business,” said Justin Hill, president of The Lawrence Paper Company. “This will help us put more business through our plant.”

Liberty’s Kansas City division had about 15 employees. Hill said the workforce at the Lawrence paper plant will grow as a result of the deal, but he said by how much had not yet been determined. The Lawrence Paper Company, which has its offices and production plant at 2801 Lakeview Road, currently employs about 200 people.

The deal marks the first acquisition in several years for the company, which has been based in Lawrence since 1882.