Last updated on August 16th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Plastic packaging products maker Spartech will expand its packaging facility in Muncie, Ind., and will add 32 jobs at the plant.
The Muncie plant, which was just one of several facilities Spartech considered for the upgrades, has been a part of the Muncie community since 1984 when it opened as part of Ball Plastics. Purchased by Spartech in May of 1999, the plant currently employs 120 people and manufactures primarily food packaging products in the form of rollstock for form/fill/seal applications as well as thermoformed containers, serving customers like ConAgra Foods Snack Pack pudding and Knouse Foods Musselman’s applesauce amongst many other leading brands.
“The Muncie team really are leaders,” said Carol O’Neill, SVP, Spartech Packaging Technologies. “Honestly, this team, their initiative, their work ethic, their creativity, the way they work as a team to create a safer workplace for each other and to support the goals of the company and the goals of our customers, all make this a team I’m incredibly proud of, and therefore really excited that we were able to bring this expansion to Muncie.”
The proposed expansion will add approximately 60,000 s.f., enabling the installation of two new extrusion lines as well as several new thermoforming lines needed for Spartech to support the growing demands of its customers.
“The Muncie plant has been an exemplar plant for Spartech for years so I’m excited about the new resources this investment will bring to our employees, customers and the local community,” said Spartech President and CEO Vicki Holt. “This expansion gives Spartech the opportunity to delight its customers and invest back into the Muncie community.”
The 32 jobs to be added will be a mix of production operators, technicians and engineers. Spartech plans to hold a job fair in Muncie in July to fill the newly-created positions. Four positions will be added in 2012 with 28 more coming in 2013.
The expansion is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 1 when Spartech will host an open house, inviting customers, employees and their families and local community members to tour the new facility.
The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance is working with local government leaders to assist the company with a $2.4 million tax increment financing bond. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has committed $75,000 in training funds and $235,000 in Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits.
