Plastipak Packaging Inc. has unveiled plans for a significant expansion at its Rapides Parish facility with a $53.8 million project that is set to broaden its manufacturing and storage capacity in Central Louisiana. The 200,000-square-foot growth will include up to five additional production lines and improve the existing operations of the company.
The expansion is expected to have substantial job creation benefits, with 15 direct new jobs and an estimated 25 indirect ones, boosting the Central Louisiana job market, according to Louisiana Economic Development. This effort aligns with the objectives of Louisiana’s 9×90 Plan, which aims to enhance the manufacturing sector and create opportunities for the local workforce. LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois expressed, "By expanding production capacity and adding warehouse space, the company is strengthening Central Louisiana's manufacturing base and creating new opportunities for local workers."
In a public statement, Plastipak Holdings President and CEO Ed Morgan said the investment is fueled by the longstanding relationship the company has with local and state authorities, who have consistently provided a supportive environment. This relationship has paved the way for multiple expansions since the establishment of the Pineville plant in 2003. “The long-term support and business-friendly environment in Louisiana has allowed Plastipak to expand the facility several times over the past 20-plus years, and allows us to announce the current investment,” Morgan told LED.
This latest round of investment includes enhancements that focus on sustainability, such as increasing the use of recycled plastic alongside the construction of the new warehouse space, which will be utilized for storing both raw materials and finished products. It's a move placing Plastipak at the intersection of industry growth and environmental responsibility. “Their continued growth here reinforces the message that Central Louisiana is a competitive and welcoming home for world-class manufacturers,” said Louisiana Central President & CEO Chris Masingill, who is pleased that more opportunities come to the region with Plastipak's confidence in its workforce and business climate, as mentioned in the same news release.
To facilitate this growth, Plastipak has been offered a comprehensive incentives package from the state, including benefits like workforce development solutions from LED FastStart and involvement in the Retention and Modernization program. Additionally, the company is expected to benefit from the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.
LED's announcement coincides with the Central Region leg of its Driving Louisiana Opportunity tour, which showcases employers like Plastipak that play a crucial role in fueling growth across the state. For Central Louisiana, this means keeping an eye on Plastipak's progress, as the expansion is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026.
