By Shawn Stinson
An economic boost to the area is expected in Hardy County.
Gov. Jim Justice and members of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development announced, on June 27, that Papier-Mettler purchased an industrial building in Moorefield. The German-based packaging manufacturer is expected to invest $48 million and create nearly 100 new jobs in the area.
The industrial space was acquired in May and will be the first Papier-Mettler production plant in the U.S.
“The investment Papier-Mettler is making in our great state is truly amazing. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you’ll never find more dedicated, hardworking, and productive employees than those in West Virginia,” Justice said during the announcement. “I am beyond excited that this $48 million investment will create up to 100 jobs for West Virginians. This is just another announcement proving that we’ve got the right people and the right business-friendly environment in West Virginia. I couldn’t be happier that all kinds of world-class businesses like Papier-Mettler are setting up shop or expanding operations in West Virginia. Our rocket ship ride that I promised is continuing every day and all West Virginians should be incredibly proud.”
Papier-Mettler is one of the leading manufacturers of flexible packaging in Europe. The company employs nearly 5,000 people in 16 countries and has a sales office in Raynham, Massachusetts.
“We are so excited to welcome this German packaging recycling and packaging manufacturing company to our great state and are happy they said ‘yes’ to West Virginia,” said Mitch Carmichael, WVDED secretary. “This sustainable packing company is a great asset to our community and their $48 million investment will benefit our economy.”
Michael Mettler, Papier-Mettler CEO, said the U.S. is one of the “largest growth markets” for the company. He added the Moorefield plant will “create numerous advantages for us, but also for the local economy as well as the job market.”
David Fansler, Hardy County Commission president, called the announcement “huge.”
“The addition of the Papier-Mettler to our community is a huge one,” he said. “We can’t wait to see all the good that comes from having this great business here. The creation of new jobs in our community is something that we strive for and we’re excited that Papier-Mettler has chosen Hardy County as a place they’d like to invest in and do business.”
Papier-Mettler officials touted Moorefield’s proximity to the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, as well as planned infrastructure to make it a “strategic, sustainable location.” In addition, future plans to move the project forward” are expected to be announced in the coming months.
