Fabri-Kal Corp., Kalamazoo, Mich., announced the development of a new manufacturing facility in Burley, Idaho, an effort to expand the company’s existing product offerings and introduce a new sustainable material. The facility will break ground March 30 and be fully operational in the fall. 

The $50 million project will result in a new 100,000-square-foot design and manufacturing facility, and will expand the company’s footprint in plastics thermoforming and house initiatives.

“Development of the new manufacturing facility in Idaho is a strategic effort that supports Fabri-Kal’s growth plans, continued focus on innovation and providing solutions to our customers and partners,” says Mike Roeder, president and COO.

“We are excited to expand our plastic thermoforming footprint west of the Rockies while growing our material offering at the same time,” says Chuck Garlock, vice president of sales and marketing. “The new plant-based ag-fiber material will become part of Fabri-Kal’s Greenware packaging line and support our commitment to providing sustainable packaging solutions in the foodservice, consumer product and retail markets.”

The new manufacturing facility will employ approximately 50 people upon opening and an additional 100 people within the next five years. It will maintain Fabri-Kal’s high quality and manufacturing standards with plans to be ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) certified within one year. 

“We look forward to building our new facility in the community of Burley, and would like to extend our appreciation to the state of Idaho and local agencies in Burley for their support in developing this project,” said Gary Galia, executive vice president of finance.