The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a $3 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for the expansion of Dart Container Corporation’s operations in Mason. The expansion will generate up to $47 million in new private investment and add a projected 325 new jobs.
“I want to extend my congratulations to the entire Dart team on this major expansion and thank a Michigan-born company for its continued commitment to our state,” said Governor Rick Snyder. “Dart’s decision to invest and add jobs here is economic gardening in action, and it demonstrates that the bold reforms we’ve made to our business climate, combined with our world-class talent, put Michigan at the top of the list of places to locate, expand and grow new jobs.”
In May 2012, Dart acquired Illinois-based Solo Cup Company and now has approximately 15,000 employees and more than 45 production, distribution center, and office locations in eight countries. Dart plans to build a new corporate headquarters building and warehouse facility as well as expand existing buildings on its Alaiedon Township campus to integrate Solo Cup corporate and administrative operations into Dart’s location in Michigan.
The employment growth will be fueled both by the relocation of some Solo Cup Company staff from the Chicago area to Mason and new jobs that will be available to Michigan residents. The project is being completed with support from Alaiedon Township and the City of Mason.
“We are excited about expanding employment opportunities on our Mason campus, where our founders launched our company more than 50 years ago,” said Dart Executive Vice President and General Counsel James Lammers. “Michigan is a great state for companies like Dart because we can attract and retain employees with diverse skills and strong work ethics. We are thrilled that the growth of our company will create hundreds of new administrative, engineering, technology and skilled trade jobs in the state.”
Lammers added that Dart currently has approximately 40 job openings in mid-Michigan, including those for information technology/SAP and engineering professionals. (For more information on employment opportunities at Dart, visit www.Dart.jobs.)
“Dart Container is a leading manufacturer of foodservice packaging products and a key employer in the Lansing area. The expansion of Dart’s operations in Mason will further strengthen its Michigan presence and provide additional good jobs for years to come,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “The company’s decision to expand in Michigan is a strong statement about the great opportunities that, thanks to our business climate improvements, Michigan now offers to growing companies.”
The Michigan Business Development Program provides grants, loans and other economic assistance to qualified businesses that make investments or create jobs in Michigan, with preference given to businesses that need additional assistance for deal-closing and for second stage gap financing.
The MSF will consider a number of factors in making these awards, including: out-of-state competition, private investment in the project, business diversification opportunities, near-term job creation, wage and benefit levels of the new jobs, and net-positive return to the state. Business retention and retail projects are not eligible for consideration of these incentives.
The MEDC markets the state with a focus on business, talent, jobs, and helping to grow the economy. For more on MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org.
Dart Container Corporation is headquartered in Mason and manufactures single-use foodservice packaging products for use in hospitals, schools, restaurants, businesses and homes since 1960. Prior to that, and beginning in 1937, Dart Manufacturing Company made plastic key cases, military “dog tags” for the Armed Services and children’s toys. In May 2012, Dart Container Corporation acquired Illinois-based Solo Cup Company and now has approximately 15,000 employees and more than 45 production, distribution center and office locations in eight countries.