HARRISBURG, PA — On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a pivotal $500,000 investment to support Flexopack USA Inc.‘s establishment of its inaugural American manufacturing facility in Lebanon County. This initiative represents a significant economic boost, with a projected infusion of $33 million into the local economy and the creation of at least 64 new full-time jobs.
Originating from Greece, Flexopack USA plans to construct a state-of-the-art 107,000-square-foot facility at 3010 Hanford Drive in North Lebanon Township. This marks the first phase in a broader three-phase project aimed at expanding the company’s packaging capabilities within the United States. The facility will play a crucial role as the primary packaging supplier for Bell & Evans, a prominent Pennsylvania-based poultry company.
Governor Shapiro highlighted Pennsylvania’s competitive advantages, stating, “Pennsylvania is the best place in the country for businesses to grow, and I’m proud that Flexopack saw that when choosing the Commonwealth for its first U.S. manufacturing facility. We’re committed to making meaningful investments in our private sector to position Pennsylvania as an economic leader, create jobs, and bring manufacturing back to the United States.”
The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) extended a funding proposal to Flexopack, including a $500,000 Pennsylvania First grant. Additionally, the company has been encouraged to pursue opportunities through the Manufacturing Tax Credit program (MTC) and the Rail Freight Assistance program (RFAP) via the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
DCED Secretary Rick Siger underscored the initiative’s alignment with the state’s long-term economic goals, remarking, “This project is a prime example of why the Shapiro Administration is focusing on the manufacturing and agriculture industries in Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy. We will continue to invest in companies like Flexopack to help strengthen these industries, grow our economy, and create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians.”
The manufacturing and agriculture sectors are integral to Pennsylvania’s economic framework, contributing over $116 billion and $132.5 billion respectively to the state’s gross product. These sectors are pivotal components of Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy, designed to fortify Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness and sustainability.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the initiative’s potential to fortify local supply chains, stating, “Keeping the supply chain short keeps more Pennsylvania dollars here at home. Investing to bring a major food-packaging manufacturer here is a huge win for our food producers, for the communities they support, and for Pennsylvania.”
Flexopack, a subsidiary of Flexopack International Limited, specializes in the distribution of flexible packaging, particularly in the co-extrusion of barrier and non-barrier films. The company caters primarily to the food industry, focusing on packaging for meat, poultry, cheese, and fish.
Stamatios Gkinosatis, CEO of Flexopack S.A., expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “Our new manufacturing facility in Lebanon County aims to strengthen the already significant commercial presence of Flexopack Group in the U.S. market. We are thrilled about our decision to proceed with this investment in Lebanon which will also further support — through local manufacturing — the increased packaging material requirements of our close partner Bell and Evans.”
This project is part of a broader effort by the Shapiro Administration, which has successfully secured over $2 billion in private sector investments since taking office. The collaboration between Flexopack and local authorities, alongside the strong backing from the state, signifies a promising future for economic development in Lebanon County and beyond.
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