The expanded facility allowed the packaging firm to evolve to a 24/7 operation
Direct Pack’s Rockingham facility manufactures a wide range of food packaging containers. (Credit: The Direct Pack)
Direct Pack, Inc. (DPI), a US-based thermoformed plastic packaging provider, has expanded manufacturing capabilities at its facility in Rockingham, North Carolina.
Opened in 2017, the Rockingham facility manufactures a wide range of food packaging containers from salad bowls to customised packaging for hot and cold fresh food applications. The facility now has 125 employees.
Since last fall, DPI has added 56,000ft² of space and flexible manufacturing lines and increased its headcount by 50% as part of its expansion plan.
The packaging firm’s expansion efforts have been supported by a $400,000 Rural Building Reuse Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
Direct Pack East general manager Craig Griffith said: “Expanding our manufacturing operations in Rockingham is an important part of our continued business growth.
“The additional production capacity will allow us to provide our expanding customer base the highest-quality packaging needed to deliver their products to consumers.
“We are immensely grateful for the ongoing support from North Carolina Department of Commerce and the City of Rockingham. Both have worked hand in hand with us to add new jobs to the region.”
DPI stated that the expanded facility allowed the packaging firm to evolve to a 24/7 operation.
Also, it helped the company to increase its manufacturing capacity by more than 40% to meet the demand for food packaging.
DPI is also planning to install additional equipment and precision tooling in the second half of 2021.
Richmond County administration management analyst/economic developer Martie Butler said: “Richmond County and the city of Rockingham are fortunate to have Direct Pack in our community and we were eager to support their growth.
“Investing in the expansion of our local businesses, like Direct Pack, will pay tremendous dividends for our citizens by immediately creating much-needed jobs and lead to opportunities in the future for further expansion.”