Monroe, La.-based Mid South Extrusion Inc. (MSE) will invest $17 million to add two lines for polyethylene film production as part of an expansion expected to create 21 new jobs.
The flexible film and bag manufacturer is targeting new markets and experiencing growing demand, according to MSE Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mark Kent Anderson.
Founded in 1986, family owned MSE employs about 189 people who produce mono- and multi-layer films for food storage, agricultural uses, carpet and mattress over wraps, barrier solutions and industrial underlayments.
"Our growth has been in supplying converter-grade films to the flexible packaging industry," Anderson said in an email.
With about $126 million in annual film sales, Mid South Extrusion ranks 65th among North American film producers, according to Plastics News' latest ranking.
The two additional lines will allow the company to increase production of thin, lightweight PE plastic sheeting used to seal and protect a wide variety of packaged industrial and consumer products.
In addition to the film lines, MSE is converting a finished goods warehouse into a state-of-the-art film plant and investing in 14 new silos for resin storage and other ancillary equipment, Anderson said.
"This investment boosts our production capacity, allowing us to target new markets and capitalize on our momentum in the flexible packaging industry," Anderson said.
Installation of the two new lines has begun and they are expected to be commissioned by August 2025.
Officials with Louisiana Economic Development offered a workforce development program for prospective employees and a $500,000 performance-based grant for building modifications and utility improvements if investment and payroll targets are met.
The film extruder also is expected to participate in the state's industrial tax exemption and enterprise zone programs.
"Our deep appreciation for our state and community, coupled with the unwavering support from local and state officials, makes reinvestment and expansion in Monroe an obvious choice," Anderson said. "Mid South Extrusion eagerly anticipates continued growth in Monroe for many years."
When the company first opened, MSE had only one production line and four employees in a 17,000 square-foot building. A 2022 expansion brought the company to 215,000 square feet and 170 employees.
After this expansion, MSE will operate 14 production lines in a 350,000 square-foot space with more than 200 employees, a news release says.