Kendall Packaging has broken ground on a $9 million expansion at its Pittsburg, Kansas plant. The expansion is projected to add 59,000 square feet to its current facility – doubling the size – and includes about $6 million in new equipment to keep the company competitive in the flexible packaging industry.
"This is our second major expansion in three years," says Eric Erickson III, Kendall Packaging president and CEO. "Between the Pittsburg plant and our facility in Jefferson, Wisconsin, we have invested approximately $17 million in improvements. As a corporation, we have experienced an exceptional growth rate and want to continue that trend."
Kendall Packaging provides custom packaging solutions for a broad cross section of private label companies and specializes in products in the baked goods, cheese, confectionary, dry foods, frozen foods, meats, pasta, personal care, pet food and snack food markets.
"We really need this expansion," says Jack Trostle, Pittsburg plant manager. "Right now, we are maxed out as far as what we can do. Our employees are working at full capacity to provide superior customer service and a world-class product. Expanding is the only logical conclusion as we look at the potential of the current manufacturing platform."
Kendall Packaging will be financing the expansion through agreements with the City of Pittsburg to utilize funds from a Community Development Block Grant and an Industrial Revenue Bond. The partnership features savings through temporary property and sales tax exemptions and promises strides in local economic development.
Not only does the expansion mean more business and jobs for Kendall Packaging, but it also leads to more local partnerships. Triad Environmental Services is working with the plant to develop a new storm water prevention plan. And, Tri-State Construction is on board as the construction company for the site expansion.
"To us, this provides the Pittsburg plant with the platform and foundation to stay current with the emerging technology in the digital world,” adds Erickson. “This means we plan to stay and grow in southeast Kansas for a long, long time.”
Kendall Packaging
