Huhtamaki, Inc., a global manufacturer of consumer and specialty packaging, announced plans to expand its operations here, creating up to 12 new jobs by 2014.
The company, a subsidiary of Finland-based Huhtamäki Oyj, will invest $8.48 million to expand its production capabilities to accommodate increased demand for its recycled paper products. As part of the project, the company will purchase additional manufacturing equipment for its facility located at 6629 Indianapolis Blvd. in Hammond.
"Huhtamaki is not only the latest international firm to have taken notice of our state's business-friendly climate, but its decision is further evidence that Indiana can compete and win on the international stage," said Dan Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "In fact, the number of international firms currently considering an investment in Indiana has jumped more than 50 percent since 2010. This is thanks to our re-focused, more direct approach to cultivating relationships with companies abroad so that when they look to invest in the U.S. market, our state is top of mind."
Huhtamaki, which currently employs more than 115 full-time Hoosiers at its Hammond fiber molding plant, is currently hiring and training additional manufacturing associates.
"This investment reflects Huhtamaki's confidence in our facility," said Rich Blastic, Huhtamaki's Hammond plant manager. "The company has made significant investments in our operations over the past four years and our past business success justifies this expansion."
Established in 1947, the company is part of Huhtamaki North America, which has 16 plants and serves local markets with Chinet® brand disposable tableware and ice cream containers, among other consumer packaging and foodservice products. Huhtamaki's parent company, Huhtamäki Oyj, was founded 92 years ago and serves the foodservice and consumer goods markets with approximately 14,000 people in 62 manufacturing units and several sales offices across 31 countries.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Huhtamaki, Inc. up to $115,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Hammond offered additional property tax abatement.
"The city of Hammond is proud to support Huhtamaki in their expansion efforts. Huhtamaki has operated in the city for nearly 65 years and has been a great corporate citizen and partner over the years," said Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. "The investment Huhtamaki is making in the Hammond location is a sign of the company's commitment to the city and will pave the way for the company to grow their customer base, while employing additional people."
Since 2005, the IEDC has worked with more than 210 international companies to bring jobs, capital investment and opportunities to communities across Indiana. These companies have projected to create more than 29,000 new jobs and invest more than $10.9 billion in the Hoosier State. Germany-based VOSS Automotive, Japan-based Tsuda Industries, Japan-based Greenville Technologies, Luxembourg-based Paul Wurth and Japan-based Hitachi Powdered Metals are just a few of the international firms that have announced decisions to invest in Indiana in recent months.
About Huhtamaki
Huhtamaki North America is a leading manufacturer of consumer goods packaging as well as tableware, cups, folding cartons, containers, carriers, trays and serviceware for the foodservice industry and retail markets. Our product portfolio includes Chinet®, the leading brand of premium tableware. Huhtamaki North America employs approximately 3,300 people in 16 manufacturing units. The parent company, Huhtamäki Oyj, has its head office in Espoo, Finland and its shares are quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. Additional information is available at www.huhtamaki.com.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Dan Hasler serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC.
The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. All tax credits are performance-based. Therefore, companies must first invest in Indiana through job creation or capital investment before incentives are paid. A company who does not meet its full projections only receives a percentage of the incentives proportional to its actual investment. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.