Opus Packaging Group, a corrugated packaging and supplies manufacturer, announced plans to establish operations in Whitestown, creating up to 43 new jobs by the end of 2022.
"As a state, we're working hard to maintain a pro-growth business climate that supports job growth and attracts new companies like Opus Packaging from across the country and around the world," said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. "Today's announcement is yet another signal that Indiana's economy is on the move. Opus Packaging's decision to locate here further strengthens our reputation as a national leader in manufacturing, and it will result in even more quality career opportunities for Hoosiers."
The Caledonia, Michigan-based company will invest nearly $3 million over the next few years to construct and equip a new facility located in Park 130 in Whitestown. Once complete, the new production facility will total 170,000 square feet and house several new pieces of machinery to produce a full range of products, allowing the company to increase its production for clients in Indiana and other parts of the Midwest. Construction on the building is underway and expected to be complete by July 2019.
Opus Packaging, which also has operations in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois, employs 375 associates nationwide. To support its growing production, the company will begin hiring immediately for all positions, including customer service, maintenance, machine operators and assistants, forklift drivers, CDL drivers, sales and management. Interested applicants may apply online.
“We have found Whitestown to be a good fit for Opus Packaging as we strive towards our vision of becoming a world-class provider in packaging solutions while leading in the markets we serve," said Butch Stoner, Opus Packaging co-owner. "Opening our new manufacturing facility in Boone County greatly enhances our ability to better serve our customers as we expand our reach in the Midwest.”
Opus Packaging Group is a family of companies dedicated to providing superior customized packaging solutions to its clients. The company currently has four locations apart from its new Whitestown facility: Action Packaging, with facilities in Caledonia and Jackson, Michigan; Safeway Packaging in New Bremen, Ohio; and Wabash Container in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Opus Packaging offers a wide array of products and services including graphic packaging, packs and kits, interior dunnage, custom partitions and packaging supplies – all of which will be produced at its new Whitestown location.
“We are pleased that Opus Packaging has chosen to open their new manufacturing facility in Whitestown,” said Whitestown Town Council President Clinton Bohm. “With the help of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, we have worked to foster a business-friendly environment in Whitestown where companies like Opus can locate and expand.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Opus Packaging Group up to $240,000 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 town of Whitestown supports the project at the request of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation.