ROCKINGHAM – Richmond County has seen a recent surge in businesses breaking ground, and in turn, boosting the local economy. And for one manufacturing plant that has been a staple the last few years, it’s boosting an already successful site that will ensure more jobs within the county.
Plastek, an Erie, Pa., based maker of packaging for hygiene products, will expand its existing site in Hamlet, which serves its growing East Coast market.
The company, according to Richmond County Economic Developer Martie Butler, plans to invest over $4.2 million in the facility, which will add an additional 63 work positions.
“The success we’re seeing in our job growth efforts is the result of a strong spirit of collaboration that exists in Richmond County, from the terrific customer service companies get from our economic development program, to the excellent workforce training they receive from Richmond Community College,” said Richmond County Board of Commissions Chairman Kenneth Robinette.
This announcement comes nearly two years after Plastek invested $2.5 million and added 23 jobs to the Hamlet plant in January 2016. Commissioner Don Bryant echoed Robinette’s words, reiterating the idea that Plastek is a part of Richmond County’s vision to create more local jobs.
“This is very good news that Plastek, an existing industry, will expand and build a new facility in Richmond County,” said Bryant. “It is a testament of how all the hard work that we have all done in the past to create an industry-friendly environment which fosters growth within our county.”
According to Plastek’s website, it is a world-class manufacturer of plastics packaging to the personal care, food and beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical packaging industries. With over 60 years of experience, Plastek specializes in industrial design, product and package development, mold design and build, injection, injection blow and injection stretch molding.
The Hamlet plant employs over 300 employees and has been in operation since May 2011.
“On behalf of the Prischak family and the entire Board of Directors of Plastek, we are pleased to once again invest in technologies that will bring employment opportunities to Richmond County,” said facility manager Steve Ulrich.
“With support from local businesses, Richmond Community College, and the Richmond County Commissioners, the Plastek HMD facility has successfully served its customers for five years,” Ulrich added. “We look forward to our local relationships growing even stronger in the years to come.”
Other partners who helped make this announcement possible, according to Butler, are Richmond County Economic Development and Richmond Community College.
The Richmond Observer will continue to report on this development. Questions pertaining to Plastek’s expansion can be directed toward Richmond County economic developer Martie Butler at 910-997-8191.
