Omnia Packaging Inc. is expanding into Canada with a new manufacturing site in Ontario that's creating 50 jobs.
The Canadian government provided C$3.7 million (US$2.7 million) to help Omnia pay for equipment to manufacture both recyclable plastic and paper trays for the food packaging market at a new location in Guelph.
Omnia is owned by Gruppo Sunino Italy, a family-owned business that has more than a half century of experience in injection molding products for the food, sports, toy and promotional markets.
"With this ... investment, FedDev Ontario is boosting the project, allowing Omnia to purchase and operate the equipment earlier, creating jobs earlier than scheduled. This will also allow Omnia Packaging to introduce 100 percent sustainable packaging in the market for the harvest season of 2023 instead of 2024," Omnia Packaging CEO Paolo Sunino said earlier this year when the funding was announced.
Omnia's packaging division makes tubs for the dairy market, confectionery makers and co-packers made from polypropylene. It recently held a grand opening.
"This beautiful new facility showcases your dedication and passion in positioning Canada for a greener tomorrow. Our government is committed to investing in the potential of hard-working businesses, like Omnia Packaging, that are working towards a strong, clean economic future for southern Ontario and all of Canada," Filomena Tassi, minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, said in a statement.
The Omnia project joins two others that received government funding earlier this year.
A Friendlier Company Inc., received C$500,000 (US$364,000) to standardize its reusable plastic takeout packaging system operating through a network of stores and restaurants in Canada.
Unified Flex Packaging Technologies also received C$4 million (US$2.9 million) in government funding to increase the manufacturing of recyclable films for food packaging and pouches at the company's Woodstock, Canada, location. The work was to create more than 60 new jobs.
"Canadians have been clear: They want to grow their local economy and ensure a clean environment for future generations. These three transformative companies are doing just that, paving the way for Canadian businesses to meet the demand for green products that reduce plastic waste," Tassi said when the grants were announced earlier.
Gruppo Sunino, based in Castellamonte, Italy, has other locations in both Europe and Asia.