Elopak expands US presence with new US$100M carton plant in Little Rock

USA – Global packaging company Elopak has officially opened its first-ever U.S. carton converting plant in Little Rock, Arkansas, marking a major milestone in its North American expansion strategy.

The state-of-the-art facility, built at a cost of US$100 million, will manufacture Pure-Pak cartons for a range of liquid products including dairy, juices, plant-based beverages, and liquid eggs.

Elopak CEO Thomas Körmendi joined local dignitaries for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new site, celebrating what he described as a pivotal step in the company’s growth.

“Demand for our low-carbon, sustainable cartons in North America has been growing at an unprecedented rate for several years,” said Körmendi.

“This new factory will serve both new and existing customers across the U.S., reaching millions of Americans every day.”

Körmendi emphasized the significance of the new facility in advancing Elopak’s global strategy, “I am sincerely grateful to the entire Elopak Americas team and to local officials for helping us deliver this project on budget and on time.

“This plant is a cornerstone of our ‘Repackaging Tomorrow’ strategy to double revenues by 2030. Today marks a major step toward achieving that goal.”

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised the company’s investment, noting the broader economic implications for the state, “Arkansas beat out several other states for this project, showing that cutting taxes, investing in education, and building up our workforce is key to attracting world-class companies.

“Thank you to Elopak’s leadership for investing not only in the United States, but in the Natural State.”

Following the ribbon-cutting, Elopak hosted a reception featuring remarks from Körmendi, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Clint O’Neal, Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, Port of Little Rock Chairman Clay McGeorge, and Elopak Americas President Lionel Ettedgui.

Elopak first announced its plans for the U.S. plant in June 2023, with construction beginning in March 2024 and finishing in under a year.

By September 2024, the company had already decided to accelerate plans for a second production line, citing sold-out capacity even before the official opening.

The additional line is set to become fully operational by 2026, adding an estimated US$110 million in annual revenue.

The Port of Little Rock was chosen for its excellent connectivity to road, rail, and air transport networks. The facility currently employs 100 people, with all carton folding, scoring, packing, and loading operations fully automated to boost efficiency and enhance worker safety.

In line with Elopak’s global sustainability goals, the plant will be powered entirely by renewable electricity.

“We have built a unique and strong foothold in the North American market,” Körmendi concluded.

“Elopak now operates several production plants covering the continent from north to south.”

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