Booming demand fuels food packaging expansion

Jack Tilley, market research analyst for Inline Plastics Corp, told FoodProductionDaily.com that the increased production capacity is mandated by consumers hungry for more convenient food and packaging options.

“We see a desire on time-stresses consumers for grab-and-go foods that can be eaten on the run​,” he said. “This is in turn driving the need for clear rigid plastic containers that can protect the contents, illustrate the quality of the food, and provide tamper-resistance for food safety​.” 

Convenience packaging​

The expanded facilities will step up production of Inline Plastics’ popular Safe-T-Fresh,  tamper-evident/-resistant thermoformed clamshell. Additionally, Tilley said, the facilities will produce its recently launched tamper-evident car-cup containers with inserts.

The manufacturer is installing three automated, roll-fed thermoforming lines at all three of its US manufacturing facilities; the first line, in Connecticut, is already in place. Its Utah plant will be going in this month, and the Georgia plant is scheduled to put the additional equipment in place in January.

“We have a growing customer base in all three geographic areas that each plant serves, so increasing capacity in the three plants will allow us to best service these customers​,” Tilley said.

Expanded facilities​

To accommodate the production lines, Inline Plastics is adding 42,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehousing space to the Georgia plant’s footprint. The Connecticut headquarters is being stretched out by 150,000 sq. ft. to make room for manufacturing, warehousing, and offices.

Founded in 1968, Inline Plastics has grown from a small family operation, to a 375-employee firm with five US facilities.