Dart Container Corp., Mason, Mich., announced plans to invest $40 million in a new technical and innovation center that will enable the company to increase its ability to develop new and improved products. The project is expected to create at least 136 new jobs in the Greater Lansing region.

The project includes:

• Construction of a 250,000-square-foot facility on 38 acres in Alaiedon Township adjacent to Dart’s existing corporate campus in Mason. The 2-story technical and innovation center will feature 80,000 square feet for offices and 170,000 square feet devoted to the development and production of prototype packaging solutions.
• Renovation of existing space to expand Dart’s tooling and machine manufacturing operations from 215,000 square feet to 330,000 square feet.

“We are excited that our continued growth has enabled us to invest another $40 million at our corporate headquarters in Mason and bring at least 136 new administrative, engineering, technology and skilled trade jobs to our region and state,” says Jim Lammers, president. “Our founders launched our company in Mason 57 years ago, and we remain committed to mid-Michigan because we can attract and retain employees with diverse skills and strong work ethics. The center will allow us to optimize collaboration, increase our ability to create prototypes and spur innovative product development for our customers.”

In the past five years, Dart Container has invested more than $60 million in the Mason campus and created over 500 new jobs. Projects included a 500,000-square-foot distribution center and 144,000-square-foot corporate office facility on the Mason campus as well as renovations to several other facilities.