Huhtamaki, a key global advanced manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions, announced plans to expand its molded fiber product manufacturing unit in the city of Hammond, Indiana, as part of its investment in fiber solutions. The investment, which is expected to ramp up towards the end of 2023, will enable Huhtamaki to serve better existing and new customers in North America with a broad range of sustainable, fully recyclable and compostable, fiber-based packaging solutions manufactured from 100% recycled North American raw material.
“The investment in this new manufacturing capacity, adjacent to our existing site in Hammond, represents our strong belief in the region’s future development and the continued success of our current and new customers. The expansion will introduce new sustainable fiber-based products such as egg cartons and cup carriers manufactured on state-of-the-art machinery developed by Huhtamaki to our portfolio in the region and drive production efficiency. Our know-how in key packaging technologies and our strong track record in sustainability make us extremely well positioned to support our customers and deliver on their sustainability agendas and goals with innovative solutions”, says Charles Héaulmé, President and chief executive officer of Huhtamaki.
Huhtamaki will also expand its strength for Hammond unit
Amounting to a total investment of almost US$ 100 million, the expanded facility covers circa 23,000 square meters and will be built adjacent to Huhtamaki’s existing Hammond manufacturing unit. Huhtamaki has operated in Hammond, Indiana since 1948 and currently has approximately 140 employees. It expects to employ a further 100 new employees when fully operational.
“We have a 75-year history in the great community of Hammond. Our new investment builds on our existing technological expertise and will expand our manufacturing capacity, further leveraging the success of earlier expansions of other Huhtamaki units across North America and harnessing our global expertise in molded fiber technology. This investment will enable us to better serve our customers in the growing North American consumer goods and retail markets”, says Ann O’Hara, President, North America.
“The City of Hammond is very excited about the expansion of one of our core companies in Hammond. We worked hard with Huhtamaki’s team to keep them here and will continue to assist them as they grow into an even stronger facility. We are thrilled with their re-investment in Hammond, their growth of jobs and their continued commitment to the city”, says Mayor Thomas M McDermott Junior.
