Elopak breaks ground on packaging site at LR Port

Norwegian food packager Elopak broke ground Wednesday (March 20) on its first U.S. production facility at the Little Rock Port Authority.

The $70 million plant will produce cartons for milk, juices, plant-based products and liquid eggs. The production equipment will be installed in the fourth quarter of 2024, and the facility will be fully operational in the first quarter of 2025.

Elopak made the project announcement in December 2023 that it would locate in central Arkansas.

The company is hiring for an expected 100 jobs, more than originally stated. Positions available include engineers, lithography printers, operators, maintenance technicians, logistics specialists and other support groups.

“This is our first converting plant in the USA and a significant investment for our company. North America is a key building block for our future growth, and we are very excited to expand our presence in the region. I would like to thank all parties involved for enabling the next step in our North American growth journey,’’ said Thomas Körmendi, Chief Executive Officer of Elopak.

“I was honored to join Elopak’s senior leadership at the end of last year to announce their new facility at the Port of Little Rock and all the investment and jobs it will bring. Arkansas beat out several other states for this project, showing that cutting taxes, investing in education, and building up our workforce is the key to bringing new companies to our state,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders.

“Elopak is the perfect example of the types of companies we want to welcome to the business community in Little Rock. Elopak will offer competitive pay and benefits, a state-of-the-art workplace, and a welcoming culture that promotes employee wellness, global perspective, and environmental sustainability. We are thrilled to welcome Elopak and look forward to a long-term relationship,” said Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber.