RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today made six job announcements today totaling 834 new jobs across Virginia. Amcor PET Packaging, a leading manufacturer of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic packaging for the global beverage, food and non-food industries, will effect a $105 million investment to develop a manufacturing operation in Wythe County's Progress Park, creating 144 new jobs. The company will supply hot fillable plastic bottles to the beverage industry. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project.
"This announcement is a testament to success generating more success," said Governor Warner. "I announced in June a major new beverage producer in Wythe County. Now Amcor, a packaging supplier for the beverage industry, will follow suit and create 144 additional new jobs for the area. Amcor is a major company with global stature and I am proud to welcome them to Southwest Virginia."
Amcor PET Packaging is the leading manufacturer of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic packaging for the global beverage, food and non-food industries, with more than 80 manufacturing sites located in 20 countries. Its parent company, Amcor Limited, offers a broad range of packaging solutions and ranks as one of the top three packaging companies in the world. Amcor's extensive operations include 240 plants in 39 countries. It is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs over 27,000 people and for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, had sales revenues of US$8.5 billion.
"Amcor PET Packaging is pleased to be opening this state-of-the-art facility in Wytheville," said Frank Pellicori, Vice President and General Manager for Amcor PET Packaging's North American Beverage Division. "We appreciate the fine cooperation and assistance provided by state and local authorities. We believe that Virginia's strong business climate, excellent infrastructure and well-educated workforce will be instrumental in making this endeavor successful."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County, Wytheville, and Rural Retreat and Virginia's aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Warner approved a $400,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $300,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The company qualifies for rail access funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and industrial road access funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation. Infrastructure improvements will be made with the aid of a Community Development Block Grant, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will also support the project with training assistance through its Workforce Services Jobs Investment Program.
"Wythe County is proud to partner with such a global leader as Amcor and looks forward to the company's Progress Park facility becoming one of its most productive plants," said Wythe B. Sharitz, Chairman of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors. "Amcor's location decision further validates the reputation of Progress Park as a Super Site."