Evansville-based Berry Plastics Corp. says it plans to invest $5 million in a new production line at its Daviess County operation. The expansion is expected to create five positions. The company says it could make an additional capital investment and boost employment at the Odon facility in the future.

 Berry Plastics Corporation announced plans today for the addition of a new $5 million production line at its operations in Daviess County Indiana to increase manufacturing capacity. The company had earlier expanded its physical operations near the city of Odon in Daviess County to 29,000 sq. ft. The expansion, which is receiving tax abatement incentives from the county, is expected to create up to five new jobs.

“Berry Plastics has continued to strategically diversify and grow its business operations in southern Indiana, which benefits all Hoosiers,” said Mitch Roob, Indiana Secretary of Commerce and CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). “When a company adds even five high-impact jobs in a small town like Odon, it translates out to considerable economic impact for the immediate region.”

“Berry Plastics has proven itself to be a great corporate citizen for the region,” said Ron Arnold, executive director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation. “The company’s continued growth helps diversify and grow our local economy.”

“The workforce and expanding transportation infrastructure in south central Indiana makes great strategic sense for a company like Berry Plastics,” said R.J. Reynolds, president and CEO of Radius Indiana, an eight-county regional partnership that includes Daviess County. “We appreciate their confidence in the region and we look forward to helping Berry Plastics continue its great track record of growth.”

“The investment in Daviess County and the local economy reflects Berry Plastics’ continued belief in the high quality support provided by the residents and local communities,” said Dave Corey, President of Berry Plastics Specialty Films Division. “This investment is being made in a very challenging flexible film manufacturing application and successful operation is dependent on dedicated, highly competent personnel. Berry Plastics reviewed the overall business and operational requirements for this investment and determined that Daviess County met all criteria and has proven to be an outstanding manufacturing base.”

Beyond the initial project phase, Berry Plastics’ future plans could include additional capital investment and employment at the selected site as additional capacity is required by the market.

Source: Berry Plastics & InsideINdianaBusiness

http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=46501