Pactiv Corp. announces expansion, $5.5 million investment in Aiken County

COLUMBIA – Pactiv LLC, a maker of foodservice and food packaging, today announced plans to expand its existing operations in Aiken County. The $5.5 million investment is expected to generate 25 new jobs over the next three years.

Pactiv LLC will add a new production line to the company’s current manufacturing facility in Beech Island. The company also will expand its warehouse facility to consolidate its regional operations. Construction on the expansion is scheduled to begin next month.

“It’s always exciting to see one of our existing businesses prosper and grow. We celebrate Pactiv Corporation’s decision to increase its footprint in South Carolina and create 25 new jobs. We are committed to improving our state’s business climate so that we’ll continue to see job-creating investments like this one,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

In the past year, South Carolina has recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce, said “We’ve had a string of exciting manufacturing announcements already over the past month. Every one counts, and Pactiv’s announcement in a rural community in South Carolina will make a big impact. This expansion also shows that our state’s business-friendly climate is working to attract investment and create jobs.”

Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young said, “This announcement is a great way to start off 2012. We are very appreciative of Pactiv’s investment and job creation in their Aiken County facility. Aiken County Council works extremely hard to provide an environment in which our existing industries can be successful in the global marketplace.”

Gary Stooksbury, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Partnership, said, “We are very excited and grateful for this announcement by Pactiv. The manufacturing community in Aiken County is extremely important to its prosperity. The Partnership has worked diligently over the years to attract quality companies to our area. We look forward to Pactiv’s continued growth."

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved the company for a $150,000 grant for site preparation. The S.C. Technical College System will provide pre-employment training. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Career One Stop in Aiken.