Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE: BERY) broke ground Wednesday for a significant expansion of its blown film operations, according to Bryant Niehoff, executive director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation. The project will include a 40,000 sq. ft. expansion of its current facility and the creation of 11 new jobs.
“We are pleased to continue what has become a strong partnership with the town of Odon and Daviess County,” said Phil Stolz, Executive Vice President of Operations for Berry’s Engineered Materials Division. “As a global corporation, we regard local engagement as very important to our short- and long-term success, and we appreciate what the state of Indiana and the local county has done to make our growth possible here.”
Todd Missbach, Berry Global Regional Vice President of Operations; John Yellig, Berry Global Vice President of Finance; Jan Schuler-Hicks, Southwest Indiana Regional Director for U.S. Senator Mike Braun; Brenda Goff, District Director for Congressman Larry Bucshon, MD; Rep. Jeff Ellington of the Indiana House of Representatives; Daviess County elected officials; and officials from the board and staff of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation took part in the ground-breaking.
Formerly known as Berry Plastics, Evansville-based Berry Global changed its name in 2017 to better reflect its status as a multi-billion-dollar publicly traded international corporation.
“We understand that Berry Global has many opportunities and alternatives in different areas to expand their operations, and we worked hard with the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation to help Odon become the preferred location for their current expansion,” said Mike Sprinkle, president of the Daviess County Council. “We’re pleased that everything worked out for all parties.”
“Positive economic development represents a competitive situation, and Odon is grateful that the right strategic elements came together to make this expansion a reality,” said Doug Benjamin of the Odon Town Council.
“Earth-moving and construction is already underway for our expansion and we look forward to opening our new doors in 2020,” said Zach Hocutt, Plant Manager at Berry’s Odon facility.
As part of its support for the expansion, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Berry Global up to $100,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.
“This expansion represents excellent opportunities for both Berry Global and for the people of Odon and Daviess County,” said Niehoff. “Berry has already proven to be a great partner for the town and for the county, and we look forward to helping Berry achieve maximum benefit for its investment here.”
“Daviess County has a strong workforce, and Berry’s decision to expand here and create new jobs reflects the strength of that available workforce,” Niehoff added.