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Pregis is announcing an investment of approximately $17 million in its Grand Rapids, Mich. facility, which has been known as Eagle Film Extruders. The investment will be supporting expanded production space, as well as new flexible packaging manufacturing and converting equipment.
Last year, Pregis purchased Eagle, a producer of high-quality mono- and multilayer blown film used for a variety of packaging applications. The acquisition was driven by internal demand for additional high quality film production, as well as external flexible packaging opportunities. Going forward, the Eagle facility and its products will be conducting business as Pregis Films.
Currently, the 90,000 square foot Grand Rapids manufacturing facility houses four state-of-the-art multilayer blown film extrusion lines. Raising the roof at that location will enable a new installation—a five-layer Windmoeller & Hoelscher blown film line—which is expected to be operational mid-summer. The structural modifications, coupled with available floor capacity, can accommodate additional extrusion lines in the future as demand increases.
“We are seeing demand from industrial, ecommerce and other segments—such as flexible packaging—requiring higher quality materials. Investing in this facility will help us meet market segment expectations for package performance and provide vertical integration for some of Pregis’ other products,” said Kevin Baudhuin, president and chief executive officer.
The company also will be installing converting and ancillary equipment used to produce flexible packaging into Pregis Films’ separate 70,000 square foot converting facility. To support the increase in output, upgraded analytical testing equipment will be used to help customers meet their specific material performance requirements.
Pregis is also investing in storage silos and resin handling for anticipated future capacity needs. The Grand Rapids facility currently has 80 employees. Pregis Films expects to add 50 staff members at that location when the equipment is operational.
