A multinational company that describes itself as the world's largest multilayer PET film maker for the food industry is starting production of that packaging in the United States for the first time.
The move by Evertis comes after supplying the U.S. market through imports for the past quarter century.
Evertis expects to spend $100 million on what the company describes as "a new leading-edge production plant" in Columbia, S.C., scheduled to be operational during the second quarter of 2026.
Commercial sales are expected to follow later in the year.
"This is truly another important milestone on our journey to deliver our packaging to the doorsteps of our customers," said Thomaz Gruber, executive vice president of operations at Evertis USA, in a statement. "The asset addition to our global group production footprint will enable us to offer shorter lead times, reduce supply chain risks, and better align with the increasing market demand for packaging solutions that prioritize circularity and environmental responsibility."
Evertis began importing film to the U.S. market in 2000, initially from plants in Mexico and Brazil, the company said.
"The decision to expand with a new production plant in the U.S. reflects the company's commitment to strengthening its local presence and ensuring more reliable, efficient supply to meet the growing demand in North America," the company said.
Evertis is owned by IMG Group of Porto, Portugal, a privately owned company with a history in the polymers business dating back more than 65 years. The company also owns resin maker Selenis, which has operations in Fayetteville, N.C., that it acquired in 2022.
"As we expand in the U.S., our focus is on delivering packaging solutions that help our customers minimize their environmental footprint. With localized production, we can better support their goals for reducing life cycle impacts, while our innovative portfolio opens new opportunities for greater circularity in the packaging industry," IMG Group Chief Business Officer Dan Kearny said in a statement.
The new plant in South Carolina initially will have 30,000 tons of annual capacity targeted to the North American packaging market. Current plans are to add another 30,000 tons in 2028 during a second phase of construction.
The facility is expected to create more than 100 jobs, the company said.
"Evertis' sees the U.S. as a global hub for some of the most influential brand owners in the world, getting closer to these brands means it strengthens and scales its ability to directly collaborate with key industry leaders and drive sustainable packaging solutions at a global scale," the company said.
Along with Mexico and Brazil, Evertis also currently has production sites in Portugal and Italy.