Leaders at the manufacturer (which provides stock and custom packaging products for food firms and other CPG clients) are outlining plans to start the process in early 2014. They estimate the large-scale relocation process will take approximately two years and add more than 300 jobs to various locations in Indiana.
Growth plan
Jon Rich, chair and CEO of Berry Plastics, said the relocation of existing equipment and the addition of new machines makes sense for the firm.
“The relocation of production equipment to Vanderburgh, Gibson, and Wayne counties from other Berry facilities supports our restructuring efforts to optimize our manufacturing operations, maximize production efficiencies, and best service our customers,” he said.
Financial backing
Support from state agencies helped sweeten the deal, according to company representatives. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) offered a grant of up to $300,000 USD to help with job training. Additionally, Berry Plastics stands to land approximately $2.4m in tax credits from the Economic Development for Growing Economy pool over the next 10 years.
Additionally, the City of Evansville presented Berry Plastics a 10-year tax phase-in on the property investment, and modified schedule of tax abatement, a package valued at about $4.5m. The city also boosted the state’s training funds with an additional $100,000.
Governor Mike Pence said the state works to make Indiana a welcome home for manufacturing operations like Berry Plastics.
“As a state that works, Indiana offers a strong legacy in building products that are used around the world,” he said. “We provide the knowledgeable workforce and low-cost business environment companies like Berry Plastics are seeking when they decide where to locate their next investment.”