Pregis LLC is again spending millions to expand a Michigan location, the latest in a string of improvements made by the company over the years at that location.
This time, the work at the Grand Rapids location involves installation of a $6 million multi-layer blown film line, the third such system from Windmoeller & Hoelscher since 2016.
"We're seeing increased demand for higher quality flexible packaging, e-commerce protective material and surface protection films. Our continued investment in this facility will help us meet market segment expectations for package performance and provide vertical integration for some of Pregis' other products," Chief Innovation Officer Tom Wetsch said in a statement.
The latest investment follows projects in the past few years that saw the company spend a combined $23 million on two previous W&H five-layer lines as well as converting equipment at the facility. Those projects also increased production space, the company said.
The newest five-layer line is now operational in the 90,000-square-foot facility, a company spokeswoman said. The facility has a total of seven blown film lines.
Pregis also invested $1 million to construct a new laboratory to help with research and development as well as quality testing in a dedicated space.
The work comes shortly after Pregis spent $10 million to make improvements at its Sussex, Wis., flexible packaging plant, a project that included a new blown film line and enhanced printing capabilities. Pregis acquired that site in 2017 from Sharp Packaging Systems.
Pregis has made a series of acquisitions and investments since its purchase by private equity firm Olympus Partners in 2014.
The company makes protective packaging materials, equipment systems and surface protection products for an array of market segments, including include food, pharmaceutical, health care, agriculture, automotive and transportation. The company also serves the furniture, electronics, building, construction, military and aerospace segments.