Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012

AIKEN CTY., S.C. -- In an announcement Tuesday, Pactiv LLC, a maker of food service and food packaging, revealed plans to expand its existing operations in Aiken County.

An investment of $5.5 million will generate as many as 25 new jobs over the next three years by adding a new production line to the existing facility in Beech Island. They will also expand the warehouse facility to consolidate regional operations.

Construction on the expansion should begin in February.

"This announcement is a great way to start off 2012. We are very appreciative of Pactiv's investment and job creation in their Aiken County facility," said Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young. "Aiken County Council works extremely hard to provide an environment in which our existing industries can be successful in the global marketplace."

Gary Stooksbury, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Partnership, said they are very excited about this announcement.

"The manufacturing community in Aiken County is extremely important to its prosperity. The partnership has worked diligently over the years to attract quality companies to our area," he said. "We look forward to Pactiv's continued growth."

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved the company for a $150,000 grant for site preparation. The S.C. Technical College System will provide pre-employment training. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Career One Stop in Aiken.