Copenhagen, Denmark-based Hartmann US are going to break ground on and expand the food packaging manufacturer’s new facility in Rolla, marking the company’s first location in the United States. Hartmann’s $30 million-project is expected to create at least 50 new jobs for the area, which the company expects to fill by the start of 2017. The nearly 100-year old company employs 2,100 people globally, with operations in Europe, Israel, South America and Canada.
The Rolla facility will produce sustainably-made, molded-fiber egg cartons for the U.S. market. Cartons will be made of 100 percent recycled newspaper sourced from the Midwest and distributed nationally. Upon reaching optimal levels of production, the company expects to recycle 25,000 to 30,000 tons of post- consumer paper per year at the Rolla facility to produce fiber cartons. Hartmann’s customers include major retailers such as Kroger, Wal-Mart, and Whole Foods as well as small farms.
The company, who won a 2014-2015 European Business Award for its efforts in environmental and corporate sustainability was introduced by governor Nixon at the official opening of the plant. “By choosing to locate their first U.S. facility in Missouri, Hartmann joins a resurgent manufacturing industry that has helped increase employment in the Show-Me State to a record high,” Gov. Nixon said. “Missouri’s highly-skilled workers, central location, and pro-business climate provide a strong foundation for Hartmann to build on its success. I’m proud to welcome this global leader to Missouri as we continue to create good jobs and grow our economy.”
Among Hartmann’s first hires was Plant Manager Varon Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran based out of Fort Leonard Wood. At today’s event, Gov. Nixon presented the Show-Me Heroes Flag of Freedom award to the company for its commitment to recruiting Missouri’s military men and women seeking civilian employment.
To assist Hartmann with its new Missouri-based operations, the Missouri Department of Economic Development has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation criteria
