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. The support from this community has been remarkable, and I look forward to building a workplace that people here are proud to join."
– Derek Rynard, CEO, Polyethics Industries
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. 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.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
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.
About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership 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 across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.