CANADA – Canadian plastic filmmaker and recycler Polykar has opened its new 50,000 ft2 state-of-the-art plant in Edmonton, Alberta.

The plant complements the company’s Montreal facility and is designed to serve customers in Western Canada and parts of the US.

The inauguration ceremony of the facility was attended by approximately 200 guests, including local officials, community members, suppliers, customers and employees.

Flanked at the ceremony by Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton, and Deputy Premier Kaycee Madu, Polykar President and CEO Amir Karim said the plant’s opening was a watershed moment for the company.

“This puts Edmonton squarely at the forefront in terms of creating value-added products from the raw materials made in Alberta,” said Amir Karim, CEO and President of Polykar.

“It includes a cutting-edge recycling facility, positioning the company to actively participate in Alberta’s efforts to divert plastic waste from landfills. It has also created 50 new jobs, a number we expect to grow to 70 within the next two years.”

Production in the new plant has already begun. It will house a center of excellence for the development and commercialization of flexible and compostable packaging.

With state-of-the-art robotics and automation, the new plant is one of the most modern and innovative of its type in North America.

Doug Clavier, the plant manager said: “I know I speak on behalf of the entire Edmonton Polykar team when I say that we are excited to be a part of the company’s expansion into Western Canada and look forward to serving customers with the same high-quality products that have always been Polykar’s hallmark.”

According to Kaycee Madu, Deputy Premier, the facility aligns perfectly with the government’s efforts to create a cluster of manufacturers that add to the value of its exports, diversify the economy and create meaningful, sustainable employment in Edmonton.

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi added his thanks on behalf of the city. “By bringing us this strong addition to our region’s manufacturing sector, I hope that Polykar’s success will attract other quality companies who are looking for opportunities to expand and grow,” added the mayor.

“It is especially fitting as Polykar is an innovator when it comes to creating products that are 100% recyclable or compostable.”

On Polykar’s expansion into Alberta, the company took the opportunity to announce that it has purchased an additional 1 ½ acres just north of the plant to underscore its confidence in Edmonton as a key contributor to the company’s future growth plans.

“As I stated when we broke ground for this facility 15 months ago, we selected Edmonton and Alberta as the ideal location for our second Canadian plant for its dynamism, its openness to the manufacturing sector, and most importantly, because of its highly qualified, skilled and diverse labor force,” conclude Karim.

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