WESTFIELD – Prolamina, a division of ProAmpac held a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday for the completion of a $4 million dollar renovation to its building at 132 North Elm Street, which included a 31,000 square foot renovation/addition to its office space, and 200,000 sq. ft. roof replacement and repair. Another $3 million will be invested in new machinery for the plant.
David Hopkins, president of commercial operations, thanked employees for their cooperation and patience, saying they had to vacate the entire office area and move people to Westwood and in the plant during the renovation, which took a little more than a year.
The business, which started in 1972 as Jen-Coat Inc. has been at its present location for more than 30 years. Prolamina is a leading North American packaging company that serves the food, medical and specialty markets, and is a leading source for extrusion coated and laminated nonwovens. Some of the products made at the Westfield plant include Splenda packets, the special liners that go inside Pringles cans, surgical drapes, and patient warming covers.
The Westfield location employs 256 full-time, and expects to add 12 more following the renovation.
ProAmpac CEO Greg Tucker expressed his appreciation to the City of Westfield at the ribbon-cutting. (Photo by Amy Porter)
“This renovation and what we’ve done here is crucial to continuing to grow here in Westfield,” said ProAmpac CEO Greg Tucker. He said the Westfield site is one of 18 facilities in the United States and worldwide. The renovation will allow them to meet Safe Quality Food Standards (SQFS), which would not have been possible otherwise.
“The city’s commitment is big when it comes to Prolamina,” said Mayor Brian P. Sullivan at the ceremony, noting that many employees from the company live in Westfield. He also remarked that the renovation fits in with the city’s renovation of North Elm Street down to the Pike.
Sullivan, State Senator Don Humason and State Representative John Velis presented Tucker with proclamations from the city, Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives to recognize the business’ contributions to the city.
After the ceremony, Joe Mitchell, city advancement officer, called it a great day to see Prolamina’s expansion project come to a conclusion.
“The city was proud to partner with one of its larger employers to help insure their long-term viability in the competitive world of manufacturing. By providing an economic incentive, the Westfield City Council paved the way for Prolamina to invest in their facility, grow the community’s economic base and preserve the jobs of Westfield citizens,” Mitchell said, referring to a special tax assessment passed two years ago that paved the way for the renovation to begin.
