Illinois helps packaging company build new facility, create manufacturing jobs

Illinois governor Pat Quinn announces a business investment deal to help Winpak Portion Packaging Inc. build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sauk Village, IL, creating 40 jobs immediately and potentially more in the future. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is administering the state's business investment package, which consists of Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits based on job creation, and Employer Training Investment Program job training funds that will help enhance the skills of the company's workforce. The company is also eligible to receive additional state and local incentives for being located in an Enterprise Zone.

"We are committed to ensuring that companies like Winpak have the tools they need to grow and create jobs in Illinois," says governor Quinn. "Illinois has always been a place of great opportunity, and our business investments are helping to create jobs now and for the future, further boosting our economic growth and strengthening our business climate."

Winpak Portion Packaging, Inc. currently operates a manufacturing facility in South Chicago Heights, which employs approximately 200 people and produces plastic cups and trays for food and beverages, as well as other packaging. The state's $1.6 million investment package leverages $30 million that the company will invest for land, building and equipment for the new facility.

"Winpak has a long relationship with the community going back to the 1960s, when the South Chicago Heights manufacturing facility first began operation. We are very pleased to be able to expand operations in the state of Illinois," says James McMacken, president of Winpak Portion Packaging Inc. "We are grateful to governor Quinn, the DCEO and mayor Towers for their continued support in our shared goal of creating jobs and economic growth in the state of Illinois."

"Our private sector investments are key to our ability to create jobs and foster long-term economic growth," remarks DCEO director Warren Ribley. "This project is a great example of how we're investing in those companies that are investing in Illinois."

SOURCE: Winpak Portion Packaging Inc.