Amcor Rigid Plastics is to invest $40 million in an expansion to its bottle manufacturing operations in Ohio, allowing it to meet increased demand for its packaging in the food and beverage sectors.
The investment at the Bellevue plant, which will nearly double the facility’s manufacturing and warehouse footprint, is supported by an economic development grant from JobsOhio through the assistance of the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP).
Amcor’s expansion of the 30-year-old facility will include an addition of 126,000 square feet of manufacturing space and an additional 85,000 square feet of warehouse space. The expanded footprint is expected to boost employment beyond the current 148-person workforce. Bellevue currently produces preforms along with injection blow molded and extrusion blow molded rigid plastic containers.
Amcor Diversified Products vice-president and general manager Ann O’Hara said: “During this strong period of growth for our business, we’re fortunate to be able to make this substantial investment at our Bellevue site. Our focus is to meet the expanded needs of our customers while also attracting new business.”
O’Hara noted that its particular corner of Ohio is a strategic location for Amcor because it is home to many of its customers, including brand owners and manufacturers in the food, healthcare, and consumer segments.
In addition, O’Hara added that the expanded production capacity comes at a time when manufacturers are continuing to convert from glass to plastic to support improvements in sustainability, safety, and product handling – and that this was a sign of promise for Amcor’s business activities.
“Amcor’s expansion further demonstrates that northwest Ohio is a great place for business and enhances our region’s standing as a leader in the advanced manufacturing sector,” said Regional Growth Partnership president and CEO Dean Monske.
The expansion project is already underway and completion is expected next summer.
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