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Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Phoenix Packaging Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of Grupo Phoenix, will invest $17.5 million to expand its operation in Pulaski County. The company manufactures thermoformed rigid plastic packaging for customers in the U.S. The project will create 100 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed against other states for the project.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Less than one year ago, Grupo Phoenix announced plans to establish its first U.S. operations and its North American headquarters in Pulaski County. This significant investment and expansion is testament to the company’s rapid success in Virginia. It is gratifying to see quality manufacturing jobs come back to America. This is also very welcome positive news for the Pulaski community which is struggling in the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes that hit the area this weekend. I have directed state agencies to make available every possible resource to the citizens of the county as they recover from the storms, and we are working in close coordination with our federal and local partners who are also assisting in the clean up and recovery effort. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who were impacted.”
“With this expansion in place, Phoenix Packaging Operations will have created a total of 340 jobs for Pulaski County in two years,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “In a challenging economy, it speaks volumes that the company has successfully served its U.S. clients from this new operation, while also continuing to grow and build its customer base.”
Grupo Phoenix, a privately owned company, has been one of the leading manufacturers of injection-molded plastic packaging, thermoformed products, foil lidding and extruded barrier packaging in Latin America for the last 30 years. With 10 locations in Latin America and the United States, the company employs more than 4,000 people in four countries and exports to 30 countries worldwide. Grupo Phoenix manufactures packaging solutions for major companies and household names in the dairy, dessert, sauces and coffee market.
“For Governor Bob McDonnell every job counts—he is seriously committed to helping new companies set up manufacturing facilities and bring high-paying jobs to the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Alberto Peisach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Phoenix. “Once we had his support, the local and state agencies fell in line and honestly speaking, Virginia was the place for Phoenix Packaging Operations. From the standpoint of geographical location, logistics, qualified workforce, energy costs, and rail service, Pulaski was the right County. We are very pleased to be part of the community.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $350,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski County with the project. The company is eligible to participate in the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.
Joe Sheffey, Chairman of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors, echoed the Governor’s sentiments stating, “Phoenix Packaging has quickly become a leading corporate citizen in Pulaski County and within the region. Their commitment to hire more employees and expand production in our community further exhibits the business-friendly climate in Pulaski County and Virginia. We are excited to be a partner in their continued growth and potential. We appreciate the investment by Governor McDonnell, the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the initiative of the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, and the dedication of the County economic development staff.”
