The Ardagh Group, a global manufacturer of sustainable beverage packaging, will invest $195 million and create 94 new jobs in Forsyth County to expand its largest US can manufacturing facility. The project will add 2 new high-speed can manufacturing lines at the facility on Old Milwaukee Lane along with additional building improvements. Today’s announcement represents one of the largest capital investments in Forsyth County in a decade.
“This project forms part of Ardagh’s Group’s global $2.1 billion 2021-2024 business growth investment program and is being undertaken to meet fast-growing demand as consumers increasingly recognize the environmental and quality advantages of beverage cans,” said Claude Marbach, CEO, Ardagh Metal – Beverage North America. “Our products deliver high recycle and content rates, which support customer sustainability targets and contribute to a circular economy. This latest expansion in Winston-Salem is indicative of Ardagh’s consistent commitment to supporting customer growth.”
The expansion will create 94 new jobs with an average salary of 130% of the county’s average. The company currently has 230 local employees.
“Economic growth is all about providing increased opportunities for our community. We are proud to work with the Ardagh Group to not only meet their needs for a facility expansion, but also to meet their needs for the specialized talent they need to thrive and grow,” says Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. “This project represents a significant economic investment that generates a substantial impact for our entire community in terms of workforce growth and corporate investment. It is a win for the community and the region as a whole.”
The company worked with Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. and officials with the State of North Carolina, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the City of Winston-Salem, and Forsyth County to facilitate the project. In Winston-Salem, it is projected that the annual property tax revenues from the building improvements would be approximately $35,000 per year for the first five years. Annual tax revenues received from the company’s investments in machinery and equipment would range from approximately $778,000 to approximately $1,045,000 over the term of the agreement. In Forsyth County, the project is expected to generate about $2.7million in net new taxes over 5 years.
The project aligns with strategic target industry sectors for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, identified by collaborative efforts among City and County officials, industry partners, and Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. Advanced manufacturing, with a specific focus on food and beverage manufacturing, is one of greater Winston-Salem’s five target industries for growth of existing companies and new investments.
“Ardagh Group’s continued commitment to Forsyth County underscores the strength of our manufacturing sector, particularly in food and beverage manufacturing, where we continue to see industry growth. Successful projects such as this one generate new interest and opportunities for our County to help existing companies expand and attract new investment,” says Kyle Haney, Community and Economic Development Director for Forsyth County.
“Ardagh Group has been in our community for many years and we are glad to continue to partner with them for this expansion that will benefit their operations throughout the Southeast. Their re- commitment to Winston-Salem as their ideal location to grow helps us to further strengthen our manufacturing sector and build our workforce,” says Mayor Allen Joines.
Winston-Salem City Council Member James Taylor says “creating new jobs and maintaining existing jobs are more important now than ever before. With this project, we are able to keep more than 230 good paying jobs in the Southeast Ward and create 94 new jobs for working families in our city. I look forward to continuing our work with city leaders and other partners to create more jobs and opportunities for the residents of our community.”
The company plans to fill new positions by the end of 2021 and complete the facility expansion by 2022.