Elopak Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Facility in Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock, Ark. (Mar. 20, 2024) – Elopak has broken ground on its first U.S. production site and is now actively recruiting talented individuals. The plant will produce Pure-Pak® cartons (Gable Top packaging) for milk, juices, plant-based products and liquid eggs. The production equipment will be installed in the fourth quarter of 2024, and the facility will be fully operational in the first quarter of 2025.

Elopak made the project announcement on December 5, 2023 and was joined with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., and other state and local officials.

The new production facility will be located at the Port of Little Rock in Little Rock, Arkansas.  It represents a landmark investment for the region of about $70 million USD including the land, building and equipment.  The project will create more than 100 permanent jobs in the region for engineers, lithography printers, operators, maintenance technicians, logistics specialists and other support groups.  Individuals can apply at www.elopak.com/career/littlerock/.

QUOTES

‘’Thanks to the fantastic support of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Little Rock Regional Chamber, this great project is now underway. We are currently recruiting talented individuals to operate our state-of-the-art plant. Be part of our success in Little Rock, Arkansas. JOIN US!’’ Lionel Ettedgui, Elopak Executive Vice-President North America.

“This is our first converting plant in the USA and a significant 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, Chief Executive Officer of Elopak.

“I was honored to join Elopak’s senior leadership at the end of last year to announce their new facility at the Port of Little Rock and all the investment and jobs it will bring. Arkansas beat out several other states for this project, showing that cutting taxes, investing in education, and building up our workforce is the key to bringing new companies to our state.” Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

“Great international companies like Elopak are discovering that Arkansas has everything needed to be successful, from a favorable business climate to workforce to available land. Congratulations to Elopak on breaking ground on its new manufacturing facility at the Port of Little Rock. We look forward to Elopak’s continued growth in Arkansas.” Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

“Elopak’s decision to build its first U.S. production plant here in Little Rock is a testament to the strength of our economy, the local workforce, and the logistical advantages of The Port of Little Rock. Its sustainability goals align with ours, and we look forward to a lasting partnership with this outstanding corporate citizen. We appreciate the investment and commitment to this community, and we are glad to be a focal point for Elopak’s North American expansion efforts.” Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., Mayor of Little Rock.

“As Pulaski County Judge, I am thrilled to witness the establishment of the new Elopak production plant in our community. This significant investment not only demonstrates confidence in our region's economic potential but also promises to create numerous job opportunities for our residents. We welcome this development wholeheartedly and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local economy and the livelihoods of our citizens.” Barry Hyde, Pulaski County Judge.

“Elopak is the perfect example of the types of companies we want to welcome to the business community in Little Rock. Elopak will offer competitive pay and benefits, a state-of-the-art workplace, and a welcoming culture that promotes employee wellness, global perspective, and environmental sustainability. We are thrilled to welcome Elopak and look forward to a long-term relationship.” Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber.

“I am pleased to see progress being made by our friends and partners, Elopak, and we look forward to their being open and operational soon. They join a great mix of companies at our Port.” Bobby Brown, Chair of the Litle Rock Port Authority Board of Directors.

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