Elopak, a Norwegian-based global supplier of carton packaging and filling equipment, has announced plans to build its first United States production plant in Little Rock, with the latest state-of-the-art technology for better and more efficient production.
“This is our first converting plant in the USA and a landmark investment for our company. North America is a key building block for our future growth and we are very excited to expand our presence in the region. I would like to thank all parties involved for enabling the next step in our North American growth journey,” Thomas Körmendi, CEO of Elopak, said.
The plant will produce Pure-Pak® carton, Gable Top packaging, for liquid dairy, juices, plant-based products and liquid eggs, and according to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, will be a significant addition for the region, as the $70 million investment will include land, building and equipment.
“Little Rock was a strategic and natural choice for us. This location will provide us with green energy, solid access to suppliers, great transportation network, by road and by train, and will enable Elopak to better serve our customers in the Americas and accelerate growth in the region. The cooperation with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Little Rock Regional Chamber was key to our decision and simply inspirational for all of us,” Lionel Ettedgui, Elopak’s executive vice president of North America, said.
“My administration continues to work hard to make Arkansas the best state to live, work and raise a family in the United States. I know that other great businesses like Elopak will see what we are doing in the Natural State, which will lead to many more announcements like this that will benefit the entire state,” Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, explaining this project will have tens of millions of dollars in investment.
The addition is projected to create more than 100 permanent jobs in the region for engineers, printers, operators, logistics specialists and other support groups, and is being brought to the area via a partnership with the AEDC, Elopak and the Little Rock Regional Chamber.
“Arkansas is proud to be the home of Elopak’s new U.S. production plant, which will accelerate the company’s growth in North America,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Attracting foreign direct investment projects is critical for our success in Arkansas, and companies like Elopak are discovering that the Natural State provides a compelling business case with its strong workforce, low costs of doing business and an industry-focused environment that helps companies succeed.”’
“Little Rock’s existing transportation infrastructure and central location make it the ideal place for Elopak to expand its North American footprint with a new production facility that will bring more than 100 jobs to Arkansas’s capital city,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. “I’m grateful for the cooperative effort among the City of Little Rock, Little Rock Regional Chamber and AEDC on this project. I look forward to welcoming to Little Rock a company that puts a priority on sustainable practices and packaging.”
“When Elopak started their new production search over a year ago, Jack Thomas and our economic development team looked at all possible options in the metro Little Rock region,” said Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “The Bluestem Partners speculative industrial building gave us an opportunity to show them why this was the place to construct their first production plant in the U.S. We’re thrilled that Elopak has chosen to build a new 300,000 sq. ft. specialty manufacturing facility and employ highly skilled engineers, printers and operators at the Little Rock Port.”
Since the announcement in June, Elopak has signed contracts with some of its existing customers in the region, further strengthening the investment case and is expected to be running by the first half of 2025.
“I am thrilled to welcome Elopak and its first U.S. plant right here in Pulaski County,” said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde. “As a result of careful planning, leadership, and cultivation of partnerships, we have made Pulaski County an ideal destination for new business, which means more jobs and prosperity for Central Arkansas.”
“We are excited to welcome Elopak to the Port of Little Rock,” said Bobby Brown, Little Rock Port Authority Board Chair. “This international company chose Little Rock because of our positive business environment, the commitment from our community and the variety of logistical choices that we have to offer. With Elopak’s arrival, we continue to impact the world and are fulfilling the original mission of the Port to create economic opportunities for our community. Elopak is a great company and I know they will do great things in Little Rock.”
Building rendering courtesy of AEDC
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