Governor Laura Kelly Announces Expansion at Berry Global Group, Inc. to Create 84 Jobs

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today visited Berry Global Group, Inc. in Lawrence to celebrate a major project expansion that will create 84 new jobs and invest $61 million in the community.

“Berry Global Group, Inc. has been a mainstay in Lawrence’s manufacturing sector for many years, this expansion will bring 84 new jobs and millions of new investment dollars to their community,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank Berry Global leaders for their investment in our state and we look forward to our continued partnership.”

“The demand for more sustainably produced packaging material has absolutely exploded, and Berry Global is in the perfect position to capitalize on this moment,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “This is a win for Lawrence manufacturing, and the many new jobs created will further strengthen the region as an international manufacturing and production leader.”

The Berry Global expansion in Lawrence will include installation of new thermoform production lines and printers in an existing warehouse on the company’s property. This new equipment will allow Berry to expand its capacity to meet increased demand for clear drink cups and lids. Made from polypropylene, the drink cups and lids are more commonly accepted for recycling than either paper or foam cups, providing an ideal packaging solution for quick-service restaurants, coffee shops, convenience stores and other foodservice markets.

“We are extremely pleased to expand our Lawrence facility, allowing us to increase our industry leading thermoforming capabilities and bring to market exciting new products that provide solutions for our customers,” Bill Norman President of Berry’s Consumer Packaging North America Division said. “On behalf of Berry, I extend our sincere appreciation to the community, local officials and the State for their on-going support of our growth initiatives. I also want to thank our team members for their unwavering commitment to Berry, our customers and each other by creating a positive and safe working environment.”

“Berry Global is an important existing industry in Lawrence and our community is excited that it will be expanding here. Our recently completed economic development strategic plan reinforces the importance of our existing businesses and encourages retention and expansion of these businesses. The City looks forward to being a continued strong partner for Berry as it invests further in Lawrence,” Mayor of Lawrence, Brad Finkeldei said.

“Evergy is pleased to have worked as a partner with the Department of Commerce and the EDC of Lawrence and Douglas County on this exciting expansion,” John Engelmann, Lead Economic Development Manager for Evergy said. “Projects like these demonstrate the importance of on-going business retention and expansion efforts by state and local economic development organizations.”Steve Kelly, Vice President of Economic Development at The Chamber of Lawrence, said: “We are extremely pleased that Berry Global is adding a significant number of jobs and capital investment in Lawrence. This facility has been a mainstay of our local business community for many years, and we’re very happy to see it continue to flourish and grow.”

About Berry Global Group, Inc.

At Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY), we create innovative packaging and engineered products that we believe make life better for people and the planet. We do this every day by leveraging our unmatched global capabilities, sustainability leadership, and deep innovation expertise to serve customers of all sizes around the world. Harnessing the strength in our diversity and industry leading talent of 47,000 global employees across more than 285 locations we partner with customers to develop, design, and manufacture innovative products with an eye toward the circular economy. The challenges we solve and the innovations we pioneer benefit our customers at every stage of their journey. For more information, visit our website, or connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, nationwide and worldwide. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.