INDIANA (News release) -- Huhtamaki announced plans to expand its molded fiber product manufacturing unit in the city of Hammond, Indiana, as part of its investment in Fiber Solutions. The investment, which is expected to start ramping up towards the end of 2023, will enable Huhtamaki to better serve existing and new customers in North America with a broad range of sustainable, fully recyclable and compostable, fiber-based packaging solutions, manufactured from 100% recycled North American raw material.

"The investment in this new manufacturing capacity, adjacent to our existing site in Hammond represents our strong belief in the future development of the region and in the continued success of our customers - both current and new. The expansion will introduce new sustainable fiber-based products such as egg cartons and cup carriers - manufactured on state-of-the-art machinery developed by Huhtamaki - to our portfolio in the region and drive production efficiency. Our know-how in key packaging technologies and our strong track record in sustainability make us extremely well positioned to support our customers and deliver on their sustainability agendas and goals with innovative solutions", says Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO of Huhtamaki.

Amounting to a total investment of almost $100 million, the expanded facility covers circa 23,000 square meters and will be built adjacent to Huhtamaki's existing Hammond manufacturing unit. Huhtamaki has operated in Hammond, Indiana, since 1948 and currently has approximately 140 employees. It expects to employ a further 100 new employees when fully operational.