Petoskey Plastics Expands Indiana Plant

Petoskey Plastics, headquartered in Petoskey, Mich., has unveiled the expansion of its Hartford City, Ind., recycling and plastics production facility. The project, which cost $9.7 million, included the addition of a 4,800-square-foot high bay production area to accommodate new blown film towers. With the addition of the first phase of the new blown film lines, the plant’s film extrusion capacity has increased by 21 million pounds per year, while recycling capacity has increased from 30 million pounds to 36 million pounds per year.

 

Petoskey purchased the 300,000-square-foot facility in Hartford City in 2007 and began recycling operations in 2008. In 2012, the company says it recycled about 30 million pounds of postconsumer plastic, converting the material into GreenPE resin. It used GreenPE in the production of plastic film and bag products, some of which contain up to 70 percent recycled plastic, the company says. 

 

“We make products that are good for customers and good for the environment,” Petoskey President and CEO Paul Keiswetter says. “We stand behind that statement, and this expansion is a culmination of our strategy to meet the growing demand for recycling and green products.”

 

Keiswetter adds that a core mission of Petoskey Plastics is to earn the appreciation and respect of its customers, associates and the community. “I can think of no better way of bringing our mission to life than by adding 80 new jobs in an environmentally responsible facility that serves customer needs with high-quality, green products.”

 

To celebrate the completion of the expansion, the company held a grand opening for stakeholders, local and state economic development officials and customers.

 

“The recycling operation is impressive, and the manufacturing capabilities are state of the art,” says Jacob Everett, director of Blackford County Economic Development Corp. (EDC). “Petoskey Plastics is an outstanding company and has been a great partner in Blackford County. Blackford County EDC is excited for the company, and for the economic boost that this expansion brings to our community.”

 

Petoskey Plastics has facilities in Michigan, Indiana and Tennessee.