SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A South Hutchinson business is making a major expansion. American Packaging Corporation, a division of Lawrence Paper Company, announced a 100,000-square-foot expansion to its current facility.
“This project represents the results of the hard work and dedication of our employees and their contribution to our business,” Tony Schleich, President/General Manager of American Packaging, said. “Since merging with Lawrence Paper Company in January of 2012, we have taken advantage of their many resources to facilitate our growth. The culmination is the substantial investment in people, equipment, and facilities to solidify our continued success while maintaining the agility to meet our customers’ needs.”
Schleich continued, “None of this would have been possible, however, without the cooperation of the City of South Hutchinson and we cannot thank them enough.”
American Packaging currently employs 43 people in South Hutchinson and expects to add additional jobs over the next three to five years.
“We’re proud to work with and support American Packaging Corporation in this exciting expansion plan,” Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “American Packaging made the right choice by investing in its facility in South Hutchinson as they grow their operations here in Kansas and expand their packaging and distribution business.”
As a company that dates back to 1882, Lawrence Paper Company has grown throughout the years to offer a wide array of capabilities and business solutions for its customers. This expansion to the American Packaging division will help continue that growth into the future.
“American Packaging has been a longtime outstanding presence in our community, and we're thrilled that the company has chosen to increase its investment in South Hutchinson,” Matt Nisly, Interim Mayor for the City of South Hutchinson, said.
Economic development has been a top priority for the Chamber, carried out by Greater Hutch staff, as they focus on bringing new investment and jobs to Reno County. “We appreciate the support from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the City of South Hutchinson for their assistance in making this American Packaging growth opportunity in South Hutchinson possible,” Debra Teufel, Hutchinson/Reno County Commerce President & CEO, said. “We are excited to secure another economic development win for Reno County with a well-established business that will create quality new jobs.”
American Packaging and Lawrence Paper are leading manufacturers and distributors of corrugated shipping boxes, industrial packaging, and point-of-sale displays to businesses throughout the Midwest. Work on the expansion, which will allow space for new equipment, began in December 2020.