Gateway Packaging moving headquarters to White House, plans $13M expansion

The packaging manufacturer will invest $13.2 million and create 50 new jobs in Robertson County, according to a news release from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

In addition to the 50 new jobs, Gateway will retain 100 jobs from a recently acquired company in White House.

“I want congratulate Gateway on choosing to expand its operation in Robertson County,” ECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said in the release. “Tennessee’s manufacturing sector is one of the state’s strongest. One out of eight Tennesseans is employed in the manufacturing sector and I want to thank Gateway for adding even more jobs to this growing sector.”

Gateway Packaging Company manufactures flexible paper and plastic packaging products focused on pet food and treats as well as the specialty human food market. The company works with the largest manufacturers in these growing markets to solve their flexible packaging problems.

“The Gateway Packaging White House facility represents the newest expansion for the company and incorporates the latest state of the art technology of printing and converting assets in the industry,” Gateway Packaging CFO Joe Italiano said.

“In addition to manufacturing flexible packaging, the White House facility will become the new headquarters location for administrative functions of the company. Omar Abuaita, CEO of Gateway, and I are extremely thankful for the exceptional cooperation and support from the State of Tennessee and those involved in assisting the company in its expansion in Tennessee.”

In January, Gateway acquired the operating assets of Werthan Packaging Inc. after Werthan filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December.

The former Werthan site on Highway 76 will become Gateway's new headquarters.

"The city of White House was very appreciative to have these new manufacturing jobs. Thankfully, Gateway Packaging was not only able to fill a void in our community quickly, but also add more jobs,” City Administrator Gerald Herman said.

“We are pleased to welcome Gateway Packaging to White House and Robertson County, keeping great job opportunities in our community,” Margot Fosnes, president and chief economic development officer of the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce, said. “We believe that White House and its location on Interstate 65 so close to Nashville will be a major advantage for the company in its future growth and market reach.”