Plastics Company Cuts Ribbon on Major Expansion
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA Michigan-based plastics company has marked the opening of a nearly $10 million expansion in Blackford County. Petoskey Plastics Inc. says the improvements and increased capacity at its Hartford City recycling facility have created 80 jobs. September 20, 2013
News Release
HARTFORD CITY, Ind. – Petoskey Plastics likes to say that it first began recycling in 1979 and has never stopped thinking green. Now, the pioneering recycling and plastic film, bag and resin manufacturing company is looking to the future as they officially take the wraps off of a $9.7 million expansion at its Hartford City, Indiana recycling and production facility. The expansion significantly increases plant capacity and has resulted in the creation of 80 new jobs.
Petoskey purchased the 300,000 square foot Hartford City facility in 2007 and began recycling operations there in 2008. In 2012, the company recycled some 30 million pounds of post-consumer plastic, converting the material into GreenPE resin and using the resin in the production of plastic film and bag products, some of which contain up to 70 percent recycled plastic. Many of Petoskey's customers participate in the company's recycling program and then in turn purchase products made from their own recycled plastic. This “closed-loop” approach has established Petoskey Plastics as an innovative leader in environmentally responsible manufacturing, packaging and recycling of plastic bags and films.
“We make products that are good for customers and good for the environment,” said Petoskey President and CEO Paul Keiswetter. “We stand behind that statement, and this expansion is a culmination of our strategy to meet the growing demand for recycling and green products.”
Keiswetter added that a core mission of Petoskey Plastics is to earn the appreciation and respect of its customers, associates and the community. “I can think of no better way of bringing our mission to life than by adding 80 new jobs in an environmentally responsible facility that serves customer needs with high-quality, green products.”
Keiswetter said the investment in the Hartford City facility has added 4,800 square feet high bay production area to accommodate new blown film towers. With the addition of the first phase of new blown film lines, film extrusion capacity has increased by 21 million pounds annually. Recycling at the plant will increase from 30 million pounds to 36 million pounds annually.
The expansion was celebrated at a grand opening gathering of stakeholders, including company executives and associates, local and state economic development officials and customers.
Jacob Everett, Director of Blackford County Economic Development was among the group that participated in tours of the facility that provided an understanding of how used plastic is diverted from the waste stream to become products. “The recycling operation is impressive, and the manufacturing capabilities are state-of-the art,” said Everett. “Petoskey Plastics is an outstanding company and has been a great partner in Blackford County. Blackford County EDC is excited for the company, and for the economic boost that this expansion brings to our community.”
About Petoskey Plastics
Petoskey Plastics is an environmentally focused recycler and plastic film, bag and resin manufacturer providing superior products and solutions. Headquartered in Petoskey, Michigan, the company provides products and engineered solutions for a variety of industries including automotive, industrial, institutional, retail, construction and home improvement. Petoskey Plastics has facilities in Michigan, Indiana and Tennessee. Learn more at PetoskeyPlastics.com.
Source: Blackford County Economic Development