Global plastic packaging manufacturer ALPLA has inaugurated its expanded facility in Vlotho-Exter, Germany.
The Austrian family-owned company has invested approximately €30m ($32.02m) in the site’s modernisation and enlargement of its plant, which includes the construction of an additional production and storage hall.
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The company said that the expansion is aimed at increasing the site’s long-term competitiveness.
The Vlotho-Exter plant, which employs 185 staff members, is known for producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and preforms primarily for local mineral water companies.
These products are manufactured using PET recyclates sourced from ALPLA’s own recycling plant in Bad Salzuflen, situated just a few kilometres away.
The site is also responsible for the design and production of ALPLA’s reusable bottles for the beverages and cosmetics markets.
ALPLA Germany managing director Georg Pescher said: “The investments are a clear commitment to the location. Vlotho-Exter is an important competence and production centre within the ALPLA Group, which we are consciously strengthening and expanding – also in line with our global sustainability strategy.”
The opening of the expanded facility was attended by various dignitaries, including members of the German Bundestag, the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament, Herford District administrator Jürgen Müller, and Vlotho mayor Rocco Wilken.
Pescher added: “We are delighted that our efforts as an attractive employer, training company and economic player in this region, as well as a pioneer in the transformation to a circular economy, have been recognised by politicians.
“We have also noted with great interest the decision of the state parliament to make North Rhine-Westphalia a pioneer for a circular economy in the field of plastics. We are happy to contribute our expertise and knowledge to the implementation of this project.”
Earlier this year, ALPLA announced the acquisition of Puerto Rico-based packaging manufacturer Fortiflex.
