Quality Engineer

Plastipak Packaging announces $53.8 million expansion at Central Louisiana manufacturing facility. PINEVILLE, La. - Plastipak Packaging Inc. announced a $53.8 million 200,000-square-foot expansion of its Rapides Parish manufacturing facility that will add warehouse space, up to five new production lines and streamline operations. The company is expected to create 15 direct new jobs while retaining 340 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 25 indirect new jobs, for a total of 40 potential new jobs in the Central Region. "Plastipak's investment reflects the kind of growth Louisiana's 9x90 Plan is designed to deliver," LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. "By expanding production capacity and adding warehouse space, the company is strengthening Central Louisiana's manufacturing base and creating new opportunities for local workers. Modernizing core industries like manufacturing is how we build stronger, more competitive regions across Louisiana." The warehouse expansion will provide Plastipak with additional space to store both raw materials and finished goods. The new production lines will include conveyor and compression systems, molds, labeling and printing systems, while planned upgrades to existing lines will increase the use of recycled plastic, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. "Since Plastipak began construction of its Pineville plant in 2003, our team has been extremely impressed with and appreciative of the collaboration and support from local and state government officials and local organizations," Plastipak Holdings President and CEO Ed Morgan said. "The long-term support and business-friendly environment in Louisiana has allowed Plastipak to expand the facility several times over the past 20-plus years, and allows us to announce the current investment. We look forward to increasing our manufacturing and recycling capabilities in Pineville and supporting our customers in Louisiana." The announcement coincides with the Central Region leg of LED's Driving Louisiana Opportunity tour, a statewide initiative highlighting employers like Plastipak that strengthened communities and fueled growth across Louisiana for decades. Plastipak last expanded its Pineville facility in 2017 with a $15 million investment. The current project is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2026. "We are pleased that Plastipak continues to expand its operations right here in Rapides Parish," Rapides Parish Police Jury President Craig Smith said. "This announcement means more opportunity for our people, and we are grateful for Plastipak's confidence in our parish and our workforce." To secure the project in Pineville, the state of Louisiana offered Plastipak Packaging a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and participation in the state's Retention and Modernization Program. In addition, Plastipak is expected to participate in the state's Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs. "Plastipak's decision to reinvest in its Rapides Parish facility is a strong vote of confidence in our region's workforce and business climate," Louisiana Central President & CEO Chris Masingill said. "Their continued growth here reinforces the message that Central Louisiana is a competitive and welcoming home for world-class manufacturers. We are proud to support Plastipak's success and look forward to the opportunities this additional investment will bring to our region."

Plastipak announces expansion at Pineville facility, which will bring additional jobs. * Plastipak Packaging Inc. is investing $53.8 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Rapides Parish. * The project will add a 200,000-square-foot warehouse, new production lines and create 15 direct jobs. * This expansion will increase the use of recycled plastics, enhancing sustainability and efficiency. Plastipak Packaging Inc., will invest $53.8 million to expand its Rapides Parish manufacturing facility by 200,000 square feet, bringing new job opportunities, it was announced at a news conference Nov. 18. "This project includes a 200,000-square-foot warehouse expansion that will add warehouse space, up to five new production lines and upgrades that increase the use of recycled plastic making operations more efficient and sustainable for the future," said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. The expansion is expected to be completed in 2026, according to a news release issued by Louisiana Central, Central Louisiana's economic development organization. Bourgeois and other state and local officials took a tour of the Pineville facility on Pardue Road before the announcement. The investment will create 15 new jobs, adding to the current 340, Bourgeois said. The expansion is expected to add 25 indirect jobs. Job seekers can go to Plastipak.com, click on the People table and scroll to Careers for more information. According to an LED news release, Plastipak Packing Inc., "a wholly owned subsidiary of Plastipak Holdings Inc., is a leading global designer, manufacturer and recycler of plastic packaging containers and performs for some of the world's largest consumer products companies." "Plastipak is a very important employer for Rapides Parish," said Chris Masingill, President and CEO of Louisiana Central. "This expansion includes high quality jobs for our community now, and hopefully, years to come." Masingill added that this expansion "will have a multiplier effect by creating jobs in other sectors and adding to the tax base for our region and the parish." He went on to say that, "This project is a major step forward that includes critical updates that will increase the use of recycled plastics, reenforcing their commitment to both efficiency and sustainability and the investment will also diversify the company by working with new companies and bringing new product lines to the region." He noted that Plastipak is located right across from the Procter & Gamble plant "creating a powerful supply chain synergy." The Procter & Gamble facility produces fabric care products for P&G brands, including the laundry detergent brand Tide. According to a Louisiana Central news release, Plastipak constructed its Pineville plant in 2003. In 2017, $15 million was invested to expand the plant.