Berry Plastics announced September 29 that it will be implementing a $20 million capital improvement plan for its Franklin, Ky., manufacturing facility. The scope of the plan includes initiatives to improve the facility's environmental footprint, to replace antiquated and energy consuming equipment with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, to enhance production to yield the most consistent products and to ensure job retention at the plant. Present for the announcement in Franklin was Governor Steve Beshear, who made brief remarks. Also in attendance was Larry Hayes, Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.
The facility will improve its environmental footprint with the introduction of closed-loop systems for the manufacturing of its products. The closed-loop system will eliminate open-handling methods for raw material introduction and disposal that are part of the typical production processes and will contain the particulates that typically would distribute into the air. Additionally, by eliminating older less energy-efficient equipment Berry expects to reduce its overall energy demands at the facility.
By making material equipment upgrades and production enhancements, Berry will be better positioned to continue to meet the evolving and growing needs of its client base and offer industry-leading products.
"The plant has been a key contributor to the economy of Franklin since 1957. The continued success of the facility is reflected not only in its strong leadership and management, but it is also enhanced because of the excellent resources provided by the state to keep businesses strong. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has been instrumental in his support and made the decision easy to make a strong investment in the Franklin facility," said Ira G. Boots, chairman and CEO of Berry Plastics.
"The Franklin facility will be entering a new era as a result of this capital investment by Berry Plastics. Our experienced and skilled employees will be able to continue to produce quality products but now using superior equipment in Franklin. Knowing that we can make the investment in the plant because the state is making an investment too fortifies a strong and continuing economic opportunity for all interests," said Thomas E. Salmon, president, Berry Plastics Tapes & Coatings. "Our continued production of highly desirable adhesive products is something that our employees and the great people of Kentucky can both be proud of."
The Franklin plant holds ISO certifications for automotive, medical, environmental and operational excellence. The facility has been operating for more than 53 years and employs 500 workers.
Berry Plastics is a leading manufacturer and marketer of plastic packaging products. Berry Plastics is a major producer of a wide range of products, including open top and closed top packaging, polyethylene-based plastic films, industrial tapes, medical specialties, packaging, heat-shrinkable coatings, specialty laminates and FIBCs. The company's 13,000-plus customers range from large multinational corporations to small local businesses. Based in Evansville, Ind., the company has 66 manufacturing facilities worldwide and nearly 13,400 employees.
