Anchor Packaging LLC, is investing $21.5 million in a 90,000-square-foot expansion of its Paragould, Ark., Plant.
The expansion, which includes thermoforming machine purchases and infrastructure upgrades, will add 45 new jobs to the area over the next 30 months, the foodservice packaging manufacturer said in a March 3 news release.
Anchor will install "several new thermoforming lines" to the expanded space beginning in late 2021.
"Reinvesting in the region comes naturally as we have outstanding employees, many second and third generation, coupled with an ever growing business focused on sustainable food packaging solutions," Jeff Wolff, CEO and president of Anchor said in the release.
Anchor will also begin operations on new thermoforming lines in the second quarter of 2021 in Paragould and Jonesboro, Ark., "allowing Anchor Packaging to fill the rapidly growing demand for food service containers used by restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores to serve the consumer's expanding need for takeout, curbside pickup and delivery of prepared meals."
"Our safety accomplishments and consecutive record production levels over the past several years are evidence of the pride and ownership every Anchor team member takes in producing high-quality packaging that best meets the evolving needs of our customers," Wolff added.
Anchor Packaging products include Crisp Food Technologies containers, Safe Pinch Tamper-Evident containers, and a stock product line of over 450 rigid containers and food service cling films.
Anchor employs over 1,000 people and operates six facilities in Paragould, Marmaduke, and Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Anchor, with corporate offices in St. Louis, is No. 7 in Plastics News' ranking of North American thermoformers with $475 million in thermoforming sales and No. 58 for PN's ranking of film and sheet makers with $115 million in film sales.
