American Packaging Corp. has chosen to invest $50 million in a second operation in Wisconsin.
The Rochester, N.Y., company will build a new printing and converting plant in DeForest, Wis., due to start up in 2017. In the first phase of the project, American Packaging will install two 10-station rotogravure presses and related equipment, creating more than 60 new jobs.
“American Packaging has successfully grown its operation in Columbus, Wis., to be the largest rotogravure printing facility in North America dedicated to flexible packaging,” said American Packaging President and CEO Peter Schottland in a July 15 news release. The company sees a promising future for rotogravure printing and chose DeForest because of its location to major markets, skilled labor pool and the historical success of the Columbus factory.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. authorized up to $750,000 in state tax credits over five years for the project, depending on job creation and wage levels. The Village of DeForest will also chip in with subsidized land, infrastructure and other incentives.
American Packaging's Rochester operation makes complex extrusions and barrier laminations using plastic films, metal foils and paper. Its tandem extruders can produce laminations with up to six layers. In Story City, Iowa, the company runs a flexographic printing and lamination operation. The firm also makes pouches and bags with special features. Overall, American Packaging employs more than 640. The business, owned by the Schottland family, was established in 1902 and has invested $170 million in the past eight years in new equipment and facility upgrades.