Portugal’s Logoplaste talks opening of new Kansas City rigid packaging plant

Logoplaste will invest $31.5 million on a new rigid plastic packaging facility in Kansas City.

Logoplaste North America Managing Director Rui Abelho told PlasticsToday that the Portuguese rigid packaging producer chose Kansas City because of its central location. The company has more than 60 plants in 18 countries.

"There are several of our costumers and potential new ones in the area," he said. "Following our business model of in-house operations and nearby site operations, we decided to install a operation in this area."

The investment will go toward equipping the 200,000-sq-ft facility. Abelho said there is space to grow and that the company has the option to add another 200,000 sq-ft to the original building.

This operation will be dedicated to PET container production using injection molding and stretch blowmolding. Abelho said the company is still in the decision phase related to equipment suppliers, but stressed that all equipment will be brand-new and the latest generation.

The company will hire an estimated 80 employees, with a target start-up date of summer 2013.

In addition to Logoplaste's investment, the Missouri Department of Economic Development is providing an incentive package as part of the agreement that includes $1.1 million in enhanced enterprise zone assistance and $92,500 in recruitment aid, the Kansas City Star reports.  

Logoplaste produces rigid plastic packaging for some big brands, including Procter & Gamble and L'Oreal, serving the food and beverage, personal care, household care and oil and lubricants sectors.