Pregis Corp., Deerfield, Ill., invested approximately $17 million in its Grand Rapids, Mich., Eagle Film Extruders facility to support expanded production space and new flexible packaging manufacturing and converting equipment.

Pregis purchased Eagle, a producer of high-quality mono- and multi-layer blown film used for a variety of packaging applications. Going forward, the Eagle facility and its products will be conducting business as Pregis Films.

Currently, the 90,000-square-foot Grand Rapids manufacturing facility houses four state-of-the-art multi-layer blown film extrusion lines. Raising the roof at that location will enable a new installation—a five-layer Windmoeller & Hoelscher blown film line—which is expected to be operational mid-summer.  The structural modifications coupled with available floor capacity can accommodate additional extrusion lines in the future as demand increases.

“We are seeing demand from industrial, e-commerce and other segments such as flexible packaging requiring higher quality materials. Investing in this facility will help us meet market segment expectations for package performance and provide vertical integration for some of Pregis’ other products,” says Kevin Baudhuin, president and CEO.

The company also will be installing converting and ancillary equipment used to produce flexible packaging into Pregis Films’ separate 70,000-square-foot converting facility. To support the increase in output, upgraded analytical testing equipment will be used to help customers meet their specific material performance requirements.

Pregis is also investing in storage silos and resin handling for anticipated future capacity needs. Pregis Films also expects to add 50 staff members when the equipment is operational.