Berry Global Expansion Gaining Traction
The previously-announced plans for Evansville-based Berry Global Group Inc. (NYSE: BERY) to expand its manufacturing operations are moving forward. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has approved tax incentives for the $70 million project, that will result in 150 new jobs by 2020.
Berry says it will add four new thermoforming lines to produce plastic packaging at its current manufacturing facility in downtown Evansville. The IEDC is offering Berry up to $1.5 million in conditional tax credits and $100,000 in training grants, which the company will not be eligible to claim until Hoosiers are hired for the new jobs.
"We are very pleased to be expanding production at our downtown Evansville facility, and would like to thank officials from the city of Evansville and the state of Indiana, for their on-going support of our growth initiatives," said Tom Salmon, chief executive officer of Berry Global. "Because of support such as this we are able to, in turn, meet our customers’ increased demands, while providing fulfilling and competitive jobs to local residents."
When the project was first announced in February, Berry said it would invest $50 million into a new commercial production facility. The company has already received a five-year tax phase-in plan from the Evansville City Council.
"The city of Evansville is honored to be the home of Berry Global, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the worldwide leader in plastics manufacturing and marketing," Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke said in a news release. "Berry Global has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in new technology in our city over the past five decades, creating new jobs with each new investment. Our administration is proud of Berry Global’s dedication to Evansville, both in terms of job creation and community involvement."