USA – Genera, a sustainable molded fiber and biomaterials company, has announced the commencement of a nearly US$350 million expansion of its Sustainable Biomaterials Campus.
This development aims to enhance manufacturing, production, and distribution capacities.
The expansion entails over 150,000 additional square feet to Genera’s current facility. It will accommodate more than 60 robotic thermoforming machines, a fleet of autonomously guided vehicles, and automated packaging lines.
Genera takes pride in producing all its items within the United States, offering transparency in the supply chain to brand owners, creating income streams for landowners and farmers, and fostering domestic job opportunities.
Anticipated to go live in Q1 2024, this expansion is projected to generate over 230 local jobs in East Tennessee upon completion.
CEO Ben Mascarello expressed, “Genera has emerged as the leading domestic manufacturer of circular, compostable packaging solutions.
“This expansion empowers us to scale further and introduce our sustainable packaging solutions to a wider range of brands and consumers. As our capacity grows, we eagerly anticipate expanding collaborations with brand owners, farmers, and landowners, continuing to spearhead the shift towards a biobased economy.”
Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee commented, “With a robust business environment, a highly skilled workforce, and a solid statewide infrastructure, Tennessee is positioned to foster the growth of new and existing businesses.
“I commend Genera for creating hundreds of new job opportunities for families in rural East Tennessee and anticipate the positive impact this endeavor will have on the Monroe County community.”
Stuart C. McWhorter, Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner, remarked, “Agriculture is a cornerstone of our state’s economy and will receive substantial reinforcement owing to Genera’s significant investment.
“This expansion stands as a testament to the dedication of community leaders in attracting new businesses to Vonore and Monroe County, facilitating their sustained growth. We take pride in contributing to the realization of this project.”
Genera’s expansion of the Sustainable Biomaterials Campus represents a substantial undertaking in collaboration with Motus, Kiewit, and its subsidiary TIC-The Industrial Company.
TIC will oversee the expansion’s engineering, procurement, and construction, while Motus will supply cutting-edge automated robotic thermoforming machines.
Established as a spin-out from the University of Tennessee in 2008, Genera has evolved into North America’s largest vertically integrated manufacturer of sustainable packaging and biomaterials solutions.
Its products, derived from locally grown regenerative grasses, offer consumers sustainable alternatives to plastics, benefiting local farms, communities, and significantly reducing carbon footprints. Genera’s headquarters are situated in Vonore, Tennessee, with an innovation center in Houston, Texas.
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