Governor Warner Announces Packaging Company Expansion in Botetourt County

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner announced today that Arkay Packaging Corporation, which has operated in Botetourt County since 1995, will invest $11 million to expand its EastPark Commerce Center facility. The expansion will create 75 jobs, ranging from pressmen to operator feeders. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and New York for the project. 

“Arkay Packaging has first-hand experience with Virginia’s tremendous workforce,” Governor Warner said. “I am very pleased the company is reaffirming its confidence in the Commonwealth by expanding its business in Botetourt County.”

Arkay Packaging is a third-generation, family-owned business with a long tradition of excellence in providing high-quality folding cartons to some of the most recognized companies in the world, including cosmetic, beauty aids, fragrance and pharmaceutical industries. The company also operates a production facility in Hauppauge, N.Y., and corporate offices in Manhattan.

Arkay Packaging plans to develop an apprenticeship program for pressman, a position that often is difficult to fill, so that the company can “grow its own” employees, said Arkay Packaging President and CEO Mitchell Kaneff.

“At Arkay, innovation is our mantra,” Kaneff said. “Arkay is committed to excellence because we always continue to strive to give our customers what they expect, when they expect it, every time! Consumers know they are buying design with every purchase and expect creativity at its best at every level of distribution. We stimulate creativity by helping our clients mirror their new product innovations with packaging that is consistent and impact full. Arkay has enjoyed great success in Virginia, thanks in large part to continuous state support and the pro-business climate that the Commonwealth provides. The Botetourt County facility fits all of our requirements for future success, including close proximity to our facility in Hauppauge, NY, and easy access to major roadways. ”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership and Botetourt County to assist Arkay Packaging with its decision to expand in Virginia. Governor Warner approved a $50,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Botetourt County with the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training through its Workforce Services Program. 

"The most reliable indicator of a strong business climate is the decision of an existing industry to expand locally," said Botetourt County Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Clinton. "We are pleased that Arkay has made that choice in Botetourt County."