Elopak Selects Little Rock, Arkansas for its New U.S. Production Plant

Little Rock, Ark. (Dec. 5, 2023) – Elopak has announced plans to build its first U.S. production plant with the latest state-of-the-art technology for better and more efficient production.  The plant will produce Pure-Pak® cartons (Gable Top packaging) for liquid dairy, juices, plant-based products and liquid eggs.

The new production facility will be located in Little Rock, Arkansas.  It represents a significant investment for the region of about $70 million USD including the land, the building and the equipment.  The project will create more than 100 permanent jobs in the region for engineers, printers, operators, logistics specialists and other support groups.

The project was developed in partnership between Elopak, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Little Rock Regional Chamber.

“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” says Thomas Körmendi, CEO of Elopak.

“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,” said Lionel Ettedgui, Elopak’s Executive Vice-President North America.

“My administration continues to work hard to make Arkansas the best state to live, work, and raise a family in the United States. We’ve already caught the attention of big companies like Elopak, whose investment in Little Rock will support well over 100 jobs with tens of millions of dollars in investment. 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,” said Governor Sanders.

“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.”

"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.”

About Elopak

Elopak is a leading global supplier of carton packaging and filling equipment. The company’s iconic Pure-Pak® cartons are made using renewable, recyclable and sustainably sourced materials, providing a natural and convenient alternative to plastic bottles that fits within a low carbon circular economy.

Founded in Norway in 1957, Elopak was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange in 2021. Today it employs 2,600 people and sells in excess of 14 billion cartons annually across more than 70 countries.

Elopak’s current operations in North America include a technical facility in Wixom, Michigan, as well as several converting facilities in Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Elopak is a UN Global Compact participant member. We have set Science Based Targets to reduce emissions in line with the 1.5 degree trajectory, and aim to be Net-Zero by 2050.

For more information, go to www.elopak.com or follow us @Elopak on LinkedIn.

About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. For more information, visit ArkansasEDC.com.

About the Little Rock Regional Chamber

The Little Rock Regional Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization responsible for fostering the economic growth and development of the Little Rock region to ensure that business and industry may operate profitably and enhance the earning opportunities and quality of life for every citizen. For more information, visit littlerockchamber.com