Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated Morris Packaging, a leading Minority Business Enterprise-certified manufacturer of flexible products, on plans to build a new $60.9 million production plant in Marion County, a project that will create 276 full-time jobs.
“I’d like to welcome Morris Packaging to Marion County and to their New Kentucky Home, as well as the 276 quality jobs the company will create with this investment,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is the latest company to recognize the value of locating in Kentucky and the many strengths our state offers to ensure businesses thrives. Morris Packaging will be a great addition to our sustainability efforts and to our manufacturing sector, which continues to diversify and grow.”
The more-than-100,000-square-foot facility in Lebanon will provide Morris Packaging with increased printing and bag converting capacity and provide a redundancy option to its customers across the United States. As a leader in sustainable packaging products, this state-of-the-art production plant will be Safe Quality Food-certified and allow the company room to grow in the future. Construction on the new facility in Lebanon is expected to be completed by October.
“We are beyond excited to start a new journey in Lebanon, Kentucky and become another well-respected member of the business community in town, as well as all surrounding cities and counties,” said Jim Bob Morris, owner and CEO of Morris Packaging. “As a privately held company, we treat our employees as family and provide a working environment and benefits package second to none. Sustainable flexible packaging is here to stay, and we look forward to welcoming many new team members to our extended family.”
Morris Packaging offers sustainable packaging solutions, warehousing, inventory management, logistics management, design and brand services across an array of industries including the pet and human food sectors. With its headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois, and production locations in Minnesota and Missouri, the company services customers nationwide.
Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty welcomed Morris Packaging to the area: “Today marks a milestone for our community as we welcome this new manufacturing project to Marion County. This investment and the creation of 276 new jobs demonstrate the confidence this company has in our workforce and the strength of our local economy. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Morris Packaging.”
Lebanon Mayor Gary Crenshaw spoke on the impact of the project: “This is a significant opportunity for the city of Lebanon, and we are grateful for Morris Packaging’s decision to invest in our community. Their presence strengthens our industrial base, and we proudly welcome them as a valuable addition to our growing economy.”
Brooklyn Leep, Director of Marion County Economic Development showed excitement for the new facility: “This is a tremendous win for Marion County. The significant capital investment and 276 new jobs will have a lasting impact on our local economy, providing opportunities for our workforce and strengthening our community. This project is a testament to the pro-business environment here in Marion County, and we’re thrilled to welcome this company to our diverse industrial sector. We look forward to supporting Morris Packaging for years to come.”