Pregis® to invest more than $11 million in state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and construction in Newton

NEWTON, N.C. – Pregis®, a manufacturer and provider of innovative and protective packaging products for a wide range of end markets, plans to expand its existing manufacturing facility in Newton where it produces temporary protective films.  Over the next three years, Pregis plans to create 10 new jobs and invest more than $11 million in new production lines and building improvements.  Salaries for the new employees will vary by position, but the new positions will meet Catawba County’s average annual wage of $48,028.

The manufacturing facility in Newton has been producing water-based acrylic adhesives for use in the automotive, transportation, building and construction, and other industrial markets since the early 1990s.  Pregis operates more than two dozen North American facilities – two of which are located in North Carolina – and additional manufacturing operations across Europe. Pregis employs 67 people at its local Newton facility as part of an international workforce of more than 3,000 professionals.

The renovation project includes a facility expansion to accommodate the installation of new manufacturing equipment, as well as warehouse space. 

“We are proud to be adding new, high-quality manufacturing jobs to the area while offering our valued employees continued growth opportunities,” said Mike Beckman, president of Pregis PolyMask.  “Our operation has thrived in Newton as a result of the employee base here, and we are thrilled to invest and grow our presence. We sincerely appreciate the support from Catawba County.”

“We are very appreciative of the continued investment Pregis is making in Catawba County and the company’s efforts to strategically position the Newton facility to meet the demands of today’s rapidly-changing economy,” said Randy Isenhower, chair, Catawba County Board of Commissioners. “At the local government level, we try to do our part as well, positioning our local companies for success by ensuring we maintain a low, stable tax rate while investing in infrastructure and educational opportunities that can produce the quality of talent demanded by companies like Pregis.”

“We are thrilled to see Pregis making a significant investment in Newton and creating new jobs in our community,” Mayor Eddie Haupt said. “The benefits of the new, high-tech manufacturing jobs they are creating will ripple through Newton and Catawba County. We look forward to continuing to partner with Pregis as they invest in Newton and grow.” 

“This great announcement about the expansion of the Pregis production facility joins more than $358 million and more than 875 jobs announced by Catawba County companies over the last year,” said Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, chair of Catawba County EDC. “Our community and the EDC prioritize assisting our existing industries to tap into valuable resources, develop solutions to lingering problems or assist with growth opportunities like this expansion.  This announcement further solidifies this commitment.”

Pregis plans to hire a variety of employees for the new manufacturing operation in areas of production and process engineering. Hiring opportunities will be posted on the company’s website, https://www.pregis.com/careers, in the future.

Local incentives were considered and approved in public hearings by the Newton City Council (November 1) and Catawba County Board of Commissioners (November 7).

In addition to the City of Newton and Catawba County, other key partners in the project include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Catawba County EDC, and Western Piedmont Council of Governments.

Media Contacts:
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation
Nathan Huret
828-267-1564
nhuret@catawbacountync.gov                                     

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