Canadian Manufacturer to Open First U.S. Facility in Northwest Ohio

A premier plastic bags manufacturer has announced plans to open a new facility in Northwest Ohio.

Canadian-based Polyethics Industries will establish its first U.S. manufacturing location in Antwerp, Ohio (Paulding County). The company will invest more than $41 million toward the facility with a commitment to hire 250 people over several years. Prior to opening the Antwerp facility, Polyethics' only presence in the U.S. was limited to brokering, selling and purchasing plastic for recycling purposes.

"For 35 years, our team has earned customers' trust by delivering quality products and finding better ways to make them. We are bringing that experience to Antwerp, closer to the customers we serve," said Derek Rynard, CEO, Polyethics Industries. "The support from this community has been remarkable, and I look forward to building a workplace that people here are proud to join."

Rynard said growing demand from U.S. customers created a clear opportunity to establish domestic manufacturing. The Antwerp investment allows Polyethics to serve that market more directly while creating a foundation for future growth and local employment.

"This will improve our responsiveness, strengthen control over production and delivery schedules, and provide room to expand our manufacturing capabilities," Rynard said.

Established in 1991, Polyethics produces a variety of products including household trash bags and heavy-duty contractor bags as well as commercial can liners and agricultural mulch films, primarily for private label customers. The company serves retailers, wholesale distributors, janitorial and sanitation suppliers, commercial facilities and agricultural. The business combines film production, bag converting, recycling capabilities and quality testing.

The company was the recipient of a JobsOhio Revitalization Grant to support extensive upgrades to the existing 155,000 square-foot facility, with assistance from Keller Logistics. Other improvements will be phased in to support equipment installation, production flow, utilities and future manufacturing capacity.

"The support we have received from Keller Logistics and the people of Paulding County has been extraordinary," said Kiki Rynard, Chief Sales Officer, Polyethics. "They have helped us move quickly and made us feel at home. We want to create opportunities for local families, be a good neighbor, and build a team that takes pride in what we make here."

In choosing Northwest Ohio for its new facility, Rynard said Antwerp offered a suitable industrial building, a site that could accommodate an initial converting operation, while providing space for broader manufacturing in later phases. In addition, access to transportation routes, the regional workforce and potential rail service were valuable considerations.

"We welcome Polyethics' decision to establish its first U.S. operations in Ohio, bringing them closer to the customers they serve in the American market," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "The company's investment in Paulding County will attract 250 new jobs for local families, while Paulding County provides Polyethics room to grow, strong regional partnerships, and a talented workforce to drive its future growth."

Company officials recognized the efforts of Paulding County Economic Development (PCED), the Regional Growth Partnership and JobsOhio in helping make connections, work through project requirements and access resources supporting investment and hiring plans.

"Paulding County is honored to welcome Polyethics as they launch their first U.S. manufacturing facility in Antwerp," said Tim Copsey, director, PCED. "Their decision to invest here underscores the strength and positive momentum of our county. This project reflects exceptional collaboration-Polyethics, Keller Logistics Group, the Village of Antwerp, Carryall Township, PCED, and the RGP each played a vital role."

The company is taking a phased approach, beginning with bag converting as equipment is installed and employees are hired and trained. Film extrusion and additional manufacturing capabilities are planned for later stages.

The Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private, nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national, and international business investment opportunities. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio's network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.

JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, accelerates company growth and workforce development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten targeted industry sectors. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including the Regional Growth Partnership, JobsOhio provides a comprehensive, customer-focused network that helps companies and communities thrive. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com.