Protective packaging supplier Pregis Corp. announced a multimillion dollar investment for a new proprietary and custom-built converting line at its Plymouth, IN, manufacturing plant. The new equipment will be used to produce low-density polyethylene hybrid cushioning (HC) film used by its AirSpeed Versa brand of protective packaging equipment. The new line is expected to be operational by the end of Q3 and will double previous production capacity. 

Additionally, Pregis will be moving its Systems Equipment Center out of the Plymouth plant and into a separate 62,000 sq-ft. facility located across the street. 

In making the announcement, Pregis President and CEO Kevin Baudhuin stated, "Demand continues to increase for Pregis' protective packaging materials and systems. By increasing our HC film output and moving our equipment center to a larger facility, we will be better able to service growing customer requirements for custom protective packaging systems and materials."

The new facility gives the company additional space to configure custom protective packaging systems, the company said. For example, Pregis frequently engineers custom overhead systems which deliver on-demand protective packaging to packing stations.

HC cushioning differs from traditional void-fill pillows because it features a pad of small, square, proprietary air chambers vs. one large air bag. It is ideally-suited for void fill, cushioning, containment, wrapping and other packaging needs. Products of varying shapes and sizes receive optimal protection from shock, abrasion and vibration during transit. Markets include: aerospace, automotive, e-commerce, electronics, glass, cosmetics, fulfillment, housewares, medical/dental, pharmaceutical, industrial components, and more.