As part of the expansion plans, the packaging firm will build a new manufacturing facility, a new distribution centre, and purchase advanced technology and modern process equipment to better serve its customers

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Bryce makes packaging products for customers in the food, household and health and beauty industries. (Credit: Arkansas Economic Development Commission.)

Flexible packaging supplier Bryce has announced that it will invest $80m to expand its operations in Searcy, Arkansas, US.

The expansion, which forms part of the firm’s five-year strategic growth plan, is expected to increase Bryce’s asset base, physical footprint and create around 142 new jobs in Searcy.

As part of the expansion plans, the packaging firm will build a new manufacturing facility, a new distribution centre, and purchase advanced technology and modern process equipment to better serve its customers.

Searcy Governor Asa Hutchinson said: “It’s always a great day in Arkansas when our existing businesses announce expansions, and this is no exception.

“For decades, Bryce Corporation has been a strong community partner. Their investment in Searcy speaks volumes about their confidence in the city’s workforce and quality of life, and I wish the company well as they enter this next phase of growth.”

Bryce launched its first manufacturing site in Searcy in 1976 with 29 people. The company had 465 employees in Searcy at the end of 2021.

The Searcy manufacturing site has expanded from 30,000ft² to 350,000ft² over four and half decades.

Bryce CEO Tom Bryce said: “We would like to thank the City of Searcy and White County leadership teams, the Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for their partnership and support throughout this process.

“We also appreciate the residents of White County, many of whom are current and retired team members of Bryce Corporation.”

Bryce president Sean Bowie said: “These are transformational and generational commitments that we are excited to make in Searcy as we transition into the fourth and look forward to the fifth generation of family leadership.”

Searcy Regional Chamber president and CEO Buck Layne said: “Existing business retention and expansion is the foundation of our economic development efforts at the chamber.

“Bryce Corporation’s investment in its Arkansas facility secures existing jobs and promises future growth for our city and our region.”