Norwegian composite cartons manufacturer Elopak (Oslo; www.elopak.com) has announced plans to build its first production plant in the US. A site in Little Rock, Arkansas, was selected for the 297,440 ft² (27,633 m²) facility that will produce the company’s Pure-Pak cartons, which are made using renewable, recyclable materials and used for liquid dairy, juices, plant-based products, and liquid eggs, the company said. 

With an investment of around USD 70 mn (EUR 65 mn), the facility is expected to be operational by H1 2025. Design-build general contractor Arco National Construction (Richmond Heights, Missouri, USA; www.arconational.com) will construct the plant to include a 205,267 ft² production area, an 11,219 ft² mezzanine, 24,534 ft² of office space, and six dock stations, Arco said.

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The facility is expected to create over 100 jobs in the region for engineers, printers, operators, logistics specialists, and other support groups. Elopak operates a technical facility in Wixom, Michigan, and has converting facilities in Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.